Local Authority Building & Maintenance November/December 2024 by Hamerville Media Group

LOCAL AUTHORITY BUIL DING& MA INT ENA NCE

SUPPLEMENT: STOP MOULD IN ITS TRACKS

Zinsser discusses the issues surrounding mould and mildew in social housing, and provide a step-by-step guide to tackling the problem.

REDUCING PLASTIC IN CONSTRUCTION

Our continuing series looks at the fuelling of carbon emissions through the use of plastic in construction.

SPECIAL REPORT

Improving learning environments through sound with the help of ceiling solutions provider Zentia.

FIRE PROTECTION & SECURITY

KITCHENS, BATHROOMS & DISABILITY NEEDS ROAD TO ZERO CARBON

THE LEADING MAGAZINE FOR LOCAL AUTHORITY AND HOUSING ASSOCIATION SPECIFIERS

REGULARS

5 Comment Budget of hope

6 NEWS

LIVV Housing Group’s Social Accounts Report - Crawley Borough Council grant funding - Fusion21 invites bids for £800 million Building Safety and Compliance Framework –The Hyde Group acquires Pinnacle

7 Rooﬁng Insights with A Proctor Group

The importance of airtightness

9 Industry comment

Matthew Warburton, Policy Advisor at the Association of Retained Council Housing (ARCH) discusses council housing ﬁnance

10 Project proﬁle

New 100% Aﬀordable Housing Development in Merton

11 Reducing Plastic in Construction in association with Changing Streams and the University of Liverpool

Continuing our series of articles looking at how the construction industry can reduce its dependence on plastic

SPECIAL REPORTS

26 Acoustics in Education

With the help of ceiling solutions provider Zentia, LABM investigates the importance of aural quality in classrooms

Advertorial Supplement

21 Zinsser’s step-by-step guide to tackling mould & mildew in social housing

Specifying door closers in multioccupancy buildings

Best practice guidance for making sure door closers within multi-occupancy buildings comply with the latest safety standards

15 Purely academic

Nicola John, Managing Director, FDM (Fire Door Maintenance) – Training and Development, looks at the recommendations of The Phase 2 Report following the Grenfell enquiry

18 Enhancing ﬁre protection for temporary structures

David eaton, business development manager at Ramtech looks at how we can improve the safety of high-rise buildings

20 Round Up

ROAD TO ZERO CARBON

28 Decarbonising the public estate

The challenges and opportunities for local authority stakeholders in the construction sector in reducing embodied carbon

30 Power to the pupils

Hackbridge Primary School in South London is the ﬁrst school in the world to be built to the Passivhaus Plus standard

32 The future is timber

The essential role timber frame construction will play in delivering net zero and new build housing targets

34 Decarbonisation and retroﬁt schemes to meet Net Zero

Manchester City Council case study

36 Round Up

38 Please come in How local authorities can design more accessible toilets to meet the requirements of today’s diverse population

40 Design Best Practice for Accessible Tenant Bathrooms

With the help of AKW, LABM looks at how social landlords can overcome the pain points of bathroom adaptations to meet tenant needs for accessible bathroom solutions

42 Round Up

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B u d g e t o f h o p e

The Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves recently delivered this Government's first Budget, the first from a Labour government for over 14 years

But what does it mean for the public sector and in particular capital spending on the buildings local authorities and housing associations already own, manage or hope to build? Here is a summary of some of the key points:

Housing

The government has promised to create 1 5 million new homes over the course of this parliament, including the biggest increase in the number of social and affordable homes built in a generation

A significant component of the budget is a £500 million boost to the Affordable Housing Programme (AHP), which already has an allocated budget of £11 5billion for 2021–2026 This additional funding should help deliver up to 180,000 affordable homes over the next five years

The government will also be investing a total of £4 4 billion in its Warm Homes Plan, which aims to upgrade an estimated 5 million homes over the next five years in an effort to reduce energy bills and tackle fuel poverty

The budget includes funding aimed directly at reducing homelessness and rough sleeping With more resources dedicated to helping people off the streets and into stable housing

To protect existing social housing stock, Right to Buy discounts will be reduced to ensure more council homes remain within the sector Councils will also be able to keep 100% of the receipts generated from Right to Buy sales, allowing them to further invest in new social housing development

The government has also announced a new five-year social housing rent settlement This will give housing associations more long-term certainty about funding, allowing them to plan more effectively and invest in more new homes

Education

Colleges will receive a further £300 million to invest in the further education estate, providing certainty for colleges to plan improvements to their facilities

Healthcare

The government is investing around £1 5 billion capital funding for new surgical hubs, diagnostic scanners and new beds across the NHS estate to create more treatment space in emergency departments, reduce waiting times and help shift more care into the community

£1 billion for critical maintenance issues with NHS buildings, including those affected by reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC)

£100 million will be earmarked to carry out 200 GP estate upgrades across England, supporting improved use of existing buildings and space, boosting productivity and enabling delivery of more appointments

Prisons

The Chancellor has revealed a £2 3billion investment in prison expansion to create thousands of new places, as the government aims to “repair the justice system”

The Budget also includes £220 million for prison and probation service maintenance in 2024-25, and up to £300 million in 2025-26

Rachel Reeves’ commitment of significant funding towards the sector is encouraging With much-needed capital now being freed up this will allow more investment in schools, health, infrastructure and social housing

There are many obstacles to overcome, but there is no doubt that this government wants to invest in building – only time will tell if this comes to fruition

Taylor Lane Timber Frame look at the role timber frame construction can play in delivering net zero and new build housing targets Turn to page 32 to read more

IN BrIEF NEWS

Aﬀordable homes ready for customers in Fareham

VIVID, a leading provider of aﬀordable homes in the south of England, have taken handover of 18 homes in Bath Lane, Fareham Working in partnership with Imperial Homes, the 2-3 bedroom houses are quietly nestled away near Fareham town centre, within walking distance to the town’s amenities

The new development comprises of 8 social rent homes and 10 shared ownership homes, now ready for customers to move in The construction began in January 2022, with the ﬁrst homes completed in September 2024

Equans to deliver major green upgrades to social housing in Scunthorpe

Energy and regeneration specialist, Equans, will soon start work on a multimillion-pound project, on behalf of social housing provider Ongo Homes, which will drastically reduce carbon emissions and tackle fuel poverty for homes in Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire

Improvements will be made to 169 houses and bungalows, helping to make them cheaper to heat by up to 40% per year

The homes, which currently have energy performance certiﬁcate (EPC) ratings as low as F, will be ﬁtted with new wall and loft insulation, solar panels, new windows and doors and air source heat pumps

The upgrades will help to keep the properties warmer in winter and cooler in summer, with EPC ratings rising to at least a C

Livv Housing Group, a leading housing association based in Knowsley, has announced the ﬁndings of its latest Social Accounts report, which details the generation of £65,558,485 in social value during the 23/24 ﬁnancial year.

The report reveals that for every £1 invested by Livv Housing Group, an incredible £11 07 in social value was delivered, a testament to Livv’s unwavering commitment to driving lasting, positive change for its customers and the wider community

Social value is a measurement of the beneﬁts that services and programmes bring to customers and their communities Impact is measured using the HACT UK Social Value Bank

This year ’ s report focuses on several key themes that have had signiﬁcant social impact, including:

l Financial wellbeing and resilience

l Employment, training and skills

l Health and wellbeing

l Social inclusion and connectivity

l Support for young people

Key statistics from the report include:

l 4,316 customers supported to improve their ﬁnancial wellbeing and resilience

l 2,432 people provided with vouchers

for fuel, food and essential items

l £92,761 in savings secured for customers through the Pocket Power initiative

l 394 customers assisted in accessing employment, training and development opportunities

l 12 apprenticeships created at Livv and 18 apprenticeships created by Livv’s development and supply chain partners

l 2,606 customers supported in improving their health and wellbeing

l 2,791 customers helped to improve social inclusion and access to wider opportunities

In 2023/24, Livv delivered several impactful projects, including Give, Get, Go, which supports long-term unemployed customers with wellbeing and employability, and Healthy Lifestyle

Choices, a six-month programme run across Knowsley focused on nutrition, physical and mental health, in partnership with local organisations

NetZero Collective supports Crawley Borough Council in securing grant funding.

NetZero Collective provided advice and support to Crawley Borough Council (CBC) to help them secure grant funding for the development of a decarbonisation strategy for 13 high-energy consumption assets

NetZero Collective supported the funding bid, and grant funding will now enable them to deliver the six-month contract to undertake heat loss calculations, bespoke heat decarbonisation plans, and create plans to incorporate lowcarbon heating alternatives, such as air and ground source heat pumps, across various non-domestic sites, including Three Bridges and Pound Hill Community Centres

They will also provide rigorous feasibility assessments and investment grade audits to identify cost-eﬀective energy-saving measures, whilst taking two of the sites to detailed designs to facilitate future works

The grant was awarded as part of the Phase 5 Public Sector Low Carbon Skills Fund, which received more than 700 applications during a two-week application period The fund is run by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and delivered by Salix

All the consultancy and survey costs associated with the project will be covered by the grant funding

The project will deliver actionable and aﬀordable retroﬁt measures to support CBC in its journey towards net zero across its commercial portfolio, positioning them to be ready to apply for further Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme funding for future projects

The importance of airtightness with

Why is airtightness important?

A building with poor airtightness loses warm air more quickly. This is a two-fold problem. High energy costs mean many people can’t aﬀord to heat their building suﬃciently. Even if the cost wasn’t prohibitive, the energy use and associated carbon emissions only makes it harder for us to meet our climate change goals.

Old buildings are typically very ‘leaky’, especially where they still feature open fireplaces with flues and chimneys They are more likely to suffer from heat loss in hidden areas, like a poorly fitting window, a door that is poorly draught-proofed, or a pipe penetration that hasn’t been sealed around Though it is worth noting that new-build construction can suffer from these things too, much as it shouldn’t be the case

Unplanned air movement is hard to control Draughts are hard to pinpoint the source of, and cause discomfort and higher rates of heat loss for building occupants Reducing unplanned air movement and avoiding convective heat losses goes a long way to improving comfort – but should not be at the expense of indoor air quality and occupant health

The ‘correct’ level of airtightness is therefore project speciﬁc There is no such thing as ‘too airtight’, as long as a suitable ventilation solution is speciﬁed alongside

The A Proctor Group offers a range of membrane products capable of contributing to a project’s required airtightness level Our full self-adhered external airtightness membrane, Wraptite®, is used on buildings of all types, from Passivhaus-certified buildings to the latest offsite and modular projects

Fusion21 has announced the renewal of its national Building Safety and Compliance Framework, worth up to £800 million over four years, and is now inviting bids from interested suppliers providing regional, or national coverage

Lot 3 Legionella and Water Hygiene Consultancy

Lot 4 Legionella Monitoring and Control

Lot 5 Fire Safety Surveying and Consultancy (Multi-Disciplinary)

Suitable for all building types across the public sector, this fourth-generation framework continues to support Fusion21’s ‘big six’ offer and includes a new lot dedicated to sprinkler and mist systems

The framework is split into twelve lots:

Lot 1 Asbestos Surveying and Consultancy

Lot 2 Asbestos Abatement and Removal

Lot 6 Fire Risk Assessments

Lot 7 Fire Safety Inspections

Lot 8 Passive Fire Protection

Lot 9 Fire Suppression (Sprinkler and Mist) Systems

Lot 10 Active Fire Safety

Lot 11 Warden Call and Tele-health

Lot 12 Electronic Security

Tender applications are welcome from interested suppliers (existing and new) that meet the criteria set out in the tender

Hyde acquires Pinnacle to deliver a gamechanging moment for housing sector

The Hyde Group (Hyde) has announced that it has made a strategic investment to acquire Pinnacle Group (Pinnacle), the national provider of housing and community-facing neighbourhood services.

The acquisition is a fundamental enabler of Hyde’s strategy to transform itself into a leading national housing and property services management organisation Hyde’s charitable and social purpose is unchanged, and all the surplus Hyde generates will be reinvested in the communities it serves

The enlarged Group owns and manages around 120,000 homes across all tenures and provides neighbourhood services to around 350,000 homes In addition, it works with a large number of schools, universities, councils, housing associations, the emergency services and private sector organisations

The breadth and reach of the enlarged Hyde Group provides a unique platform that builds on Hyde and Pinnacle’s combined expertise in attracting large-scale institutional capital

to invest in the affordable housing sector This will enable the Group to expand the growth of its housing services platform to private and public sector clients at a national level, supporting the delivery of homes across all tenures, with a natural focus on affordable homes

Pinnacle will operate as a standalone subsidiary within the Hyde Group, retaining its unique identity, client relationships, executive management and operational teams

Andy Hulme, Group Chief Executive Oﬃcer of The Hyde Group, said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming Pinnacle colleagues, customers, and clients into the Hyde Group This is a game-changing moment for Hyde, our current and future customers, and the wider housing sector By combining our shared knowledge and

documentation To learn more and apply for the framework use the following link: www.rdr.link/lau000

The submission deadline is Friday 17 January 2025, at 12 noon

expertise, we’ll be able to accelerate our growth and improve our services to both build and create communities that people can be proud of ”

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The Gover nment is currently consulting on a rent settlement for councils and housing associations that would limit annual rent increases to 1 per cent above the annual rate of increase in the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) for the five years from 2026 to 2031. A 2.7% increase limit has already been announced for 2025.

Councils have been pressing for long-term certainty about future rent levels for some time, but this is not the result they were hoping for A five-year settlement does not exactly count as long-term when business plans run for 30 years, but, more importantly, CPI + 1% is not enough to allow councils to raise the income they need to comply with Awaab’s Law and keep homes up to the existing Decent Homes Standard, let alone the soon-expected uplifts to it.

The week before the Budget, Savills published a new report commissioned by ARCH along with the LGA and National Federation of ALMOs that quantifies the cumulative impact of historic and proposed government policies and wider economic factors on the viability of council Housing Revenue Accounts (HRAs) Savills’ analysis finds HRAs are buckling under:

l The impact of rent cuts from 20162020 and the rent cap in 2023 resulting in much lower levels of anticipated income than had been promised by the then Government

l The increase in the amount of capital

investment needed for existing council housing This includes for maintaining and repairing existing homes to bring them into line with current and proposed future requirements, for instance building and fire safety requirements, a new Decent Homes Standard, as well as minimum energy efficiency and net zero carbon requirements In 2012 this was estimated as £64 2 billion over 30 years; it’s now up to £96 1 billion – a difference of £31 8 billion that local authorities need to find

l Day to day repairs costs that are spiralling well above the rate of CPI inflation, as demand increases in the light of Awaab’s Law and the need to address problems with damp and mould, and cost increases due to labour and supply chain shortages

l Pressures arising from enhanced regulation and proposed requirements for professional qualifications for housing staff

Many councils will therefore face the impossible choice between HRAs going into deficit or failure to meet statutory repair obligations. As a result, councils will also be unable to finance the

building of new affordable homes to help government achieve its ambition to build 1 5 million new homes over the next five years.

The research shows that a 10-year settlement allowing annual rent increases of up to 1 per cent above CPI would eventually balance HRA income and expenditure over 30 years, but in the short-term would still leave an income shortfall over the initial 5 to 10 years of between £6 and £7 billion Even if councils could increase rents back to what they would have been without the 2023 rent cap, additional ﬁnances would still be required into HRAs to keep them aﬂoat in the short term.

ARCH Is calling for an urgent review and revision of the current self-ﬁnancing council housing regime which has been in place since 2012, to ensure it can deliver both current and future requirements for council housing Not only do we need a long-term rent deal for council landlords covering at least 10 years but action to address the deﬁcits looming in the immediate future to ensure that councils are able to maintain their stock to the standards tenants deserve www.arch-housing.org.uk

Construction Underway on New 100%

Aﬀordable Housing Development in Merton

Clarion Housing Group celebrated construction being underway at the new aﬀordable housing project at 42 Station Road in Colliers Wood, Merton, which will be entirely for social rent The new development will bring 98 high-quality, energy-eﬃcient homes to the heart of Merton, aimed at enhancing local family life with sustainable living options

To mark the significant progress made, Brian Ham, Project Director at Clarion Housing Group was joined by Councillor Andrew Judge, Cabinet Member for Housing and Sustainable Development at Merton Council, Colliers Wood ward

Councillor Caroline Cooper-Marbiah, Simon Trice, Managing Director, Hill Group and members of the Clarion and Hill Group project teams on a visit to the site, demonstrating the strong partnership with local government for this transformative project

The new 10 and 13-storey buildings, which are being delivered in partnership with The Hill Group, are located near the scenic River Wandle and Morden Hall Park, and designed to cater to the housing needs of Merton residents Featuring a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, each home will offer private balconies, modern fitted kitchens with energy-efficient appliances, and comprehensive amenities to support a high standard of living

In addition to residential spaces, the development which is expected to complete by 2026, will feature a landscaped courtyard, riverside park, play areas, and commercial spaces, fostering a healthy community atmosphere

Richard Cook, Chief Development

Oﬃcer at Clarion Housing Group said, "We are excited that this pivotal development is underway, highlighting our commitment to providing 100% social rent homes that does not compromise on quality By partnering with Merton Council and The Hill Group, we are not just constructing buildings at 42 Station Road, but creating a promising, sustainable community where families can thrive "

Councillor Andrew Judge, Cabinet Member for Housing and Sustainable Development, London Borough of Merton said, “This new development is welcome news for our borough’s families, providing better availability and access to modern, aﬀordable homes that are close to schools, shops, and transport connections in Colliers Wood

“Everyone deserves a place to call home that they’re proud of and meets their needs for the future We’re doing everything in our power to make sure we can support sustainable growth in our borough to meet increasing demand for housing that is safe, decent and energy

eﬃcient New homes are part of the council’s approach to tackling the housing crisis locally, and we ’ re working alongside Clarion to regenerate some of our estates as well as building the ﬁrst new council homes in a generation ”

Strategically situated within walking distance of essential amenities and excellent transportation links, including the Colliers Wood and South Wimbledon Underground Stations, the development ensures residents have everything they need within reach The locality also boasts excellent schools, retail options, and health facilities, making it an ideal choice for families looking to put down roots in Merton

Front row: Brian Ham, Project Director for Merton, Clarion Housing Group; Cllr Caroline CooperMarbiah, Colliers Wood Ward, London Borough of Merton; Cllr Andrew Judge, Cabinet Member for Housing and Sustainable Development, London Borough of Merton; Duncan Burns, Regional Delivery Director, Clarion Housing Group; Robert Dalby, Delivery Manager, Clarion Housing Group

Back row (L-R): Harvinder Dhami, Regional Director, The Hill Group; Simon Trice, Managing Director, The Hill Group

REDUCING PLASTIC IN CONSTRUCTION

in association with

Why is plastic impor tant for net zero?

A long-exper ienced yacht sur veyor commented this weekend that ‘plastic boats are just petrol standing up in the water’ This analogy applies to many elements of moder n buildings, which contain a high propor tion of plastic; indeed, plastic is the fastest growing bulk material on the planet.

Carbon is one of the most important elements on earth and underpins life as we know it: much is stored in fossil fuels used for heating, industrial processes, transport and increasingly for production of plastics Plastic polymers contain between 40 and 90% carbon and require fossil fuel both for primary polymer production and manufacture into ﬁnished product

Although only about 17% of annual global plastic production is utilised in construction, when we consider global plastic stocks (material actually in use) we see that those plastics with longer life spans predominate, with over half in construction materials¹

Projections of global plastic production, waste generation and plastic stocks in use, by sector a–c, Annual plastic production (a), annual plastic waste generation (b) and plastics in use (c), 2000–2100 Stegmann, P , Daioglou, V , Londo, M et al Plastic futures and their CO2 emissions Nature 612, 272–276 (2022) https://doi org/10 1038/s41586-022-05422-5

“ Plastic in soils and oceans causes changes in the biogeochemistr y of land and oceans with as yet unknown consequences ”

At ‘end of life’, a small proportion is recycled to be reused once or sometimes more, but the majority (60%) is destined for landﬁll, with the remainder destroyed by incineration or pyrolysis to produce fossil-fuel based energy and greenhouse gases Plastic in soils and oceans causes changes in the biogeochemistry of land and oceans with as yet unknown consequences This accumulation of plastic (or embodied carbon) is already approximately 100 times total human biomass, and 3 times total human and animal biomass combined To summarise, this linear usage of fossil fuels rather than a circular model results in pollution of natural environments (60%) or increased GHG production

The contribution to GHG from production and consumption of plastics (including end of life management) is estimated as 1 8 gigatons in 2015 and expected to reach 5-8 gigatons during this century About 60% is in resin production, 30% in conversion to ﬁnished product and 10% in disposal²

The nature of the plastic value chain means that carbon use and emission is locked in across the industry from production and consumer demand to waste management

A systemic change is required to how plastics are produced and consumed in the global economy A resolution was taken in 2022 by the United Nations Environment Programme to establish a legally binding global agreement on plastic pollution There have been 4 meetings of the INC (Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee) The fifth and final meeting to agree the final wording of the treaty to be held in S Korea in December 2024 Although there remain some areas of disagreement, this is a momentous achievement, the outcomes from which will impact on all aspects of plastic production, consumption and disposal Watch this space!

Vince J, Carney Almroth B, de Miranda Grilli N, Dwivedi V, Stöfen-O’Brien A, Beyer J The Zero Draft Plastics Treaty: Gaps and challenges Cambridge Prisms: Plastics 2024;2:e24 doi:10 1017/plc 2024 31

¹ IEA Global Energy Review 2021 – assessing the eﬀects of economic recoveries on global energy demand and CO2 emissions in 2021 https://www iea org/ reports/ global-energy-review-2021 (2021)

² Zheng J Suh S Strategies to reduce the global carbon footprint of plastics Nat Clim Chang 9, 374–378 (2019) https://doi org/10 1038/s41558-019-0459-z

n To learn more about the work of Changing Streams and the launch of the Changing Streams Research Centre, visit www changingstreams org

projections of global plastic production

Vince J, Carney Almroth B

S p e c i f y i n g d o o r c l o s e r s i n m u l t i - o c c u p a n c y b u i l d i n g s

Door closers play an integral part in making sure doors open and close effectively. In the event of a fire, a firmly closed fire door can save lives and helps to slow down the effects of flames and smoke Here, Rob Adams, technical manager for ARRONE, a Hoppe (UK) brand, shares best practice guidance for making sure door closers within multi-occupancy buildings comply with the latest safety standards

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a ccep t a b l e a n d s a f e s ol u t i on T h i s i s a

p r od u ct t h a t en s u r es t h e d oor i s h el d

op en , b u t a u t om a t i ca l l y cl os es t h e d oor

w h en t h e f i r e a l a r m i s t r i g g er ed , a l l i n

a ccor d a n ce w i t h f i r e s a f et y a n d l eg a l

r eq u i r em en t s

T h e i m p o r t a n c e o f i n s p e c t i n g

c l o s e r s

i r e d oor s a r e d es i g n ed t o p r ev en t t h e

s p r ea d of f i r e a n d s m ok e, cr ea t i n g t i m e

f or p eop l e t o ev a cu a t e t h e b u i l d i n g A s

i s t h e ca s e w i t h a l l f i r e s a f et y m ea s u r es , i t i s es s en t i a l t h a t f i r e a n d en t r a n ce

d oor s a n d t h e a s s oci a t ed h a r d w a r e,

p a r t i cu l a r l y t h e d oor cl os er s , a r e k ep t i n

g ood w or k i n g or d er

R eg u l a r i n s p ect i on s , u n d er t h e

f r eq u en cy s t i p u l a t ed b y t h e F i r e S a f et y

( E n g l a n d ) R eg u l a t i on s 2 0 2 2 , p l a y a n

“W h e n a d o o r c l o s e r

d o e s n’t f u n c t i o n p ro p e r l y, i t

d i r e c t l y i m p a c t s t h e

p e r fo r ma n c e o f t h e fi r e

d o o r i t h a s b e e n fi t t e d t o ”

i m p or t a n t r ol e i n m a k i n g s u r e w ea r a n d

t ea r t h a t m a y l ea d t o d ef ect s a r e

i m m ed i a t el y d et ect ed a n d r ep a i r ed

D o o r c l o s e r i n s p e c t i o n b e s t

p r a c t i c e

A l l r es p on s i b l e p er s on s w i t h a d u t y t o con d u ct f i r e d oor a n d en t r a n ce d oor ch eck s w i t h i n h a l l s of r es i d en ce or

a p a r t m en t b l ock s s h ou l d ca r r y ou t

r ob u s t i n s p ect i on s of t h ei r d oor cl os er s

T h i s i n v ol v es a s k i n g t h em s el v es t h e

f ol l ow i n g k ey q u es t i on s :

l I s t h e cl os er f i t t ed i n t h e cor r ect

p os i t i on? I s i t s t i l l a t t a ch ed cor r ect l y

t o t h e d oor a n d f r a m e, or h a s i t b ecom e l oos e or d r op p ed ?

l H a s i t b een d a m a g ed i n a n y w a y ?

l D oes i t a l l ow t h e d oor t o op en

s m oot h l y ?

l D oes i t cl os e t h e d oor i n a con t r ol l ed

m a n n er ?

l A r e a l l s cr ew s a n d ot h er f i x i n g s s t i l l

t i g h t l y i n p l a ce?

l A r e t h er e a n y s i g n s of f l u i d on t h e ou t s i d e of t h e d oor cl os er or on t h e

f a ce of t h e d oor ?

T h e i m p a c t o f f a u l t y d o o r c l o s e r s o n d o o r s

W h en a d oor cl os er d oes n ’ t f u n ct i on

p r op er l y, i t d i r ect l y i m p a ct s t h e

p er f or m a n ce of t h e f i r e d oor i t h a s b een

f i t t ed t o F or i n s t a n ce, i f t h e d oor op en s t oo s l ow l y, cl os es t oo q u i ck l y, or on l y p a r t i a l l y op en s a n d cl os es , t h i s m a k es i t l es s ef f ect i v e i n t h e ev en t of a f i r e

M or e s p eci f i ca l l y, f a u l t y d oor cl os er s ca n r es u l t i n d oor s n ot l a t ch i n g

cor r ect l y w h en op en ed t o 5 d eg r ees or 7 5 m m , t a k i n g t oo l on g t o cl os e ( w i t h i n 2 5 s econ d s i s con s i d er ed b es t p r a ct i ce) , or n ot ea s i l y op en i n g b y u p t o a t l ea s t 7 0 d eg r ees

D oor cl os er s a r e es s en t i a l f or m a k i n g s u r e f i r e a n d en t r a n ce d oor s a r e f u l l y f u n ct i on a l a n d , m os t i m p or t a n t l y, en s u r i n g f i r es a r e con t a i n ed a s m u ch a s p os s i b l e w i t h i n h a l l s of r es i d en ce a n d s oci a l h ou s i n g d ev el op m en t s t o en s u r e t h e s a f et y of occu p a n t s

n The ARRONE range caters to a variety of power sizes that meet ﬁre door requirements across all building types. To ﬁnd out more visit www.rdr.link/lau001

Purely academic

The Grenfell Tower Inquiry published its final report on 4th September. Many within the construction industry will already be aware of the impact of the Grenfell Tower fire. Here, Nicola John, Managing Director, FDM (Fire Door Maintenance) –Training and Development, looks at the recommendations of The Phase 2 Report which aim to address systemic issues which contributed to the tragedy and prevent similar disasters from happening in the future.

WC o n s t r u c t i o n R e g u l a t o r

O n e k e y r e c o m m e n d a t i o n i s t h e

‘ e s t a b l i s h m e n t o f a s i n g l e “ c o n s t r u c t i o n

r e g u l a t o r ” r e p o r t i n g t o a s i n g l e

S e c r e t a r y o f S t a t e ’ T h e r e p o r t c r i t i c i s e s

t h e f r a g m e n t e d a n d c o m p l e x r e g u l a t i o n

o f t h e c o n s t r u c t i o n i n d u s t r y a n d

r e c o m m e n d s t h a t a s i n g l e r e g u l a t o r y

b o d y w i l l u n i f y e x i s t i n g s e p a r a t e

i n s t i t u t i o n s a n d a l l o w f o r i n f o r m a t i o n t o

b e s h a r e d m o r e e f f e c t i v e l y

T h i s ‘ c o n s t r u c t i o n r e g u l a t o r ’ w o u l d

h a v e n u m e r o u s r e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s ,

i n c l u d i n g b u t n o t l i m i t e d t o t h e

‘ r e g u l a t i o n o f c o n s t r u c t i o n p r o d u c t s ’ ; ‘ t h e t e s t i n g a n d c e r t i f i c a t i o n o f s u c h p r o d u c t s ’ ; a n d ‘ t h e i s s u e o f c e r t i f i c a t e s o f c o m p l i a n c e o f c o n s t r u c t i o n p r o d u c t s w i t h t h e r e q u i r e m e n t s o f l e g i s l a t i o n , s t a t u t o r y g u i d a n c e a n d i n d u s t r y s t a n d a r d s ’ U n d e r p i n n i n g t h i s i s ‘ m a i n t a i n i n g a p u b l i c l y a v a i l a b l e l i b r a r y o f t e s t d a t a a n d p u b l i c a t i o n s ’ T h i s w i l l h a v e s i g n i f i c a n t i m p a c t f o r c o n s t r u c t i o n p r o d u c t m a n u f a c t u r e r s , i n c l u d i n g t h e f i r e d o o r i n d u s t r y

Fire Protection & Security

Publicly available test data

For far too long, some product manufacturers have treated test data like a secret document it has been locked away and shared with only a select few this recommendation will level the playing field Publicly available test data will be a legal requirement the composite fire door industry will feel the impact of this change Fortunately, many composite fire door manufacturers are ahead of the game and already comply with this requirement distinction doors, for example, makes its test data and fire test video evidence publicly and readily available, and has done so since 2019 each week, more fire door manufacturers approach us wishing to showcase their fire doors in our training academy, develop product specific courses, and share test data for others to learn from this is a passionate and determined industry driven by a powerful need for change

Training is key

While we too are eager for proactive change it must be appropriate, robust and future proof training is essential if the industry is to achieve this, and product specific training at that it’s not simply enough to know what to do, but why we do it too Because of the nature of the market, offering supply and fit and supply only services, training needs to be comprehensive and wide-reaching

As a citB Approved training organisation and the nominated training arm of the Association of composite door Manufacturers (AcdM), we work with manufacturers and stakeholders to raise standards in the fire door industry We train and offer support to the responsible person through to people who work in the industry but not directly with the product We have also completed fire door inspection courses with fire brigades and installation and maintenance courses with tier one contractors

Training for site-based teams

it’s proven that correct installation and appropriate maintenance are critical for fire door performance Site-based personnel, therefore, require more

“For far too long, some product manufacturer s have treated test data like a secret document”

support We must expand their learning and knowledge base so they can make informed decisions onsite online learning and the development of a new training app and portal will be game changers for fire door installers and maintenance teams Allowing them to progress and track their learning journey and enhance their skills conveniently and efficiently one such platform allows you to upload certificates awarded by other training bodies With no formal awarding body in the fire door industry, this is a great way to prove competence and professionalism

Appropriate maintenance

one area which the fire door industry is keen to develop is awareness and

availability of its compliant components

A fire door may leave the factory a highperformance, compliant product but this can soon change with poor and inappropriate maintenance to overcome this, we are working with fire door manufacturers, builders’ merchants and trade suppliers to make compliant replacement products more widely available currently, most are only available in bulk and cannot be purchased as a single item for next day delivery our goal is for maintenance teams and subcontractors to carry compliant ‘repair and replace’ kits on their van, taking a proactive approach to fire door maintenance We encourage registered Providers and landlords to consider this during the tender process and help to drive more positive change for fire door maintenance

n For more information on FDM and their ﬁre door training, inspections, and maintenance please visit: www.rdr.link/lau002

In the aftermath of the fatal Grenfell Tower fire, interim safety arrangements came into place for the hundreds of other buildings in the UK laden with the same dangerous cladding. Sadly, seven years on from the disaster, and the publishing of the final Grenfell report, the UK is still working to improve the safety of high-rise buildings, as explained by David Eaton, business development manager at Ramtech.

E n h a n c i n g f i r e p r o t e c t i o n f o r t e m p o r a r y s t r u c t u r e s

Th e di sa st er t h a t cl a i m ed t h e

l i v es of 7 2 peopl e a n d l ef t

h u n dr eds m or e i n j u r ed,

h om el ess a n d t r a u m a t i sed

r em a i n s on e of t h e m ost dev a st a t i n g i n

t h e cou n t r y ’ s r ecen t h i st or y A n d si n ce

t h a t f a t ef u l da y i n 201 7, pr essu r e h a s becom e i n cr ea si n gl y m or e i n t en se t o

en su r e t ow er bl ock s h a v e t h e cor r ect pr ot ect i on s a ga i n st f i r e

W i t h t h e i n t r od u ct i on of t h e B u i l d i n g

S a f et y A ct , a n d t h e B u i l d i n g S a f et y

R eg u l a t or, b u s i n es s es a n d b u i l d i n g

ow n er s h a v e b een t a s k ed w i t h cos t l y

r em ed i a t i on w or k s , t o en s u r e t h a t

s t r u ct u r es com p l y w i t h b es t p r a ct i ce

B u t w h en i t com es t o s a v i n g l i v es , n o

cos t s h ou l d ev er b e a n ob s t a cl e

U n d e r s t a n d i n g t h e r i s k

W h i l e i t i s p o s i t i v e t o s ee r et r o s p ec t i v e

p r o j ec t s t a k i n g p l a c e t o r em o v e a n d

r ep l a c e d a n g er o u s c l a d d i n g , t h i s d o es

c r ea t e a h u g e s a f et y r i s k o f i t s o w n

t h a t c a n s o m et i m es b e o v er l o o k ed

D u r i n g a n y s o r t o f r ef u r b i s h m en t o r

r en o v a t i o n p r o j ec t , b u i l d i n g s a n d t h ei r

v a r i o u s c o m p o n en t s a r e p u t a t a

h ei g h t en ed r i s k , a n d i t i s es s en t i a l t h a t

d u r i n g t h es e t em p o r a r y p h a s es , t h er e

i s s t i l l a s a f et y s o l u t i o n i n p l a c e t o

p r o t ec t l i v es a n d p r o p er t y

F i r e p r ot ect i on eq u i p m en t s u ch a s

s p r i n k l er s a n d a l a r m s a r e f r eq u en t l y

u n a v a i l a b l e d u r i n g con s t r u ct i on ,

m a k i n g t h e b u i l d i n g a n d i t s

s u r r ou n d i n g s v u l n er a b l e t o r a p i d f i r e

s p r ea d T h e u s e of t em p or a r y b u i l d i n g

m a t er i a l s , t h e p r es en ce of f u el s a n d a ccel er a n t s , a n d t h e l a ck of p er m a n en t

f i r e p r ev en t i on m ea s u r es a l l con t r i b u t e

t o a n i n cr ea s ed d a n g er

R ecen t l y, h u n d r ed s of f i r ef i g h t er s w er e d ep l oy ed t o t a ck l e a f i r e a t a h i g h -

r i s e r es i d en t i a l b u i l d i n g i n D a g en h a m ,

E a s t L on d on , w h er e w or k s w er e

u n d er w a y t o r ep l a ce cl a d d i n g M or e

t h a n 8 0 p eop l e w er e ev a cu a t ed a n d

t w o p eop l e w er e t a k en t o h os p i t a l

F r om i n i t i a l i n v es t i g a t i on s , i t i s

b el i ev ed t h e f i r e m a y h a v e s t a r t ed f r om

m a t er i a l s k ep t on t h e s ca f f ol d i n g T h e

s p eed of t h e f i r e m a y a l s o h a v e a ccel er a t ed d u e t o t h e f l a m m a b i l i t y of

t h e m a t er i a l a n d t h e s ca f f ol d i n g ’ s op en ,

v er t i ca l s t r u ct u r e

I n t h e U K a l on e, t h er e w er e 3 0 9

s er i ou s f i r es i n b u i l d i n g s u n d er g oi n g

r en ov a t i on s i n 2 0 2 2 I n A m er i ca , t h es e

f i g u r es a r e ev en h i g h er, w i t h t h e N F PA

r ep or t i n g a n a n n u a l a v er a g e of 3 , 8 4 0

f i r es i n s t r u ct u r es u n d er con s t r u ct i on

a n d 2 , 5 8 0 f i r es i n s t r u ct u r es u n d er

m a j or r en ov a t i on

S a f et y i s t h er ef or e p a r a m ou n t , n ot on l y f or t h e w el l -b ei n g of w or k er s a n d

occu p a n t s b u t a l s o t o m i t i g a t e t h e r i s k of cos t l y a cci d en t s , d el a y s , a n d d a m a g e

t o p r op er t y a n d r ep u t a t i on

E m p h a s i s i n g s a f et y en s u r es com p l i a n ce

w i t h r eg u l a t i on s a n d s t a n d a r d s w h i l e

f os t er i n g a cu l t u r e of a ccou n t a b i l i t y a n d

r es p on s i b i l i t y on -s i t e

S a f e t y s o l u t i o n s

A s w el l a s ca r r y i n g ou t ex t en s i v e r i s k

a s s es s m en t s t o i den t i f y p ot en t i a l h a za r ds a n d a dh er i n g t o t h e a p p r op r i a t e

h ea l t h a n d s a f et y m ea s u r es , i t i s es s en t i a l f or s i t es t o a dop t a n ea r l y

det ect i on a p p r oa ch t o m i n i m i s e t h e

da m a ge of f i r e a n d ev a cu a t e s a f el y

W i r el es s s y s t em s of f er a r el i a b l e a n d

f l ex i b l e w a y t o p r ot ect s i t es d u r i n g

t em p or a r y p h a s es s u ch a s con s t r u ct i on

a n d r en ov a t i on T h es e s y s t em s a r e

d es i g n ed t o s u p p or t v a r i ou s com p l ex en v i r on m en t s a n d m a n y, s u ch a s l i n ea r h ea t d et ect i on s y s t em s , a r e i d ea l f or u s e on s ca f f ol d i n g

“mobile technology is helping workers stay connected”

F i r st a n d f or em ost , t h ey of f er

u n pa r a l l el ed f i r e det ect i on ca pa bi l i t i es, en su r i n g ea r l y i den t i f i ca t i on a n d pr om pt r espon se t o pot en t i a l f i r e i n ci den t s

Th ese sy st em s w or k by u t i l i si n g f i xed

act i v at i on ( di gi t al ) l i n ear h eat cabl e

st r at egi cal l y depl oy ed al on g t h e

u n der si de of scaf f ol di n g at ev er y l ev el , en su r i n g t h or ou gh cov er age an d r el i abl e

f i r e det ect i on Each h eat det ect i on dev i ce

can m on i t or ex t en si v e l en gt h s of cabl e, accom m odat i n g

bu i l di n gs of v ar y i n g si zes I n t h e ev en t of al ar m act i v at i on , r eal -

t i m e al er t s ar e del i v er ed t o

r el ev an t per son n el w i t h a

gr aph i cal m ap pi n poi n t i n g t h e

ex act l ocat i on , en su r i n g a r api d an d pr eci se r espon se

T h i s a l l ow s f or a n i n s t a n t r ea ct i on t o ex t i n g u i s h i n g a f i r e, m i t i g a t i n g t i m e l os s a n d

p r ov i d i n g m a x i m u m p r ot ect i on

T h e h ea t s en s i n g ca b l e ca n b e

i n s t a l l ed a l on g t h e s ca f f ol d i n g

t o cov er a l l a r ea s of t h e s t r u ct u r e, u s i n g

s t a i n l es s s t eel b r a i d i n g t o w i t h s t a n d

a n y m ech a n i ca l d a m a g e Ty p i ca l l y, t h ey

a r e a l s o q u i ck t o i n s t a l l , w h i ch m ea n s

t h e u n i t s ca n b e ea s i l y r el oca t ed or a l t er ed a s t h e s t r u ct u r e ch a n g es ,

m a k i n g i t a cos t -ef f ect i v e t ool a l s o

M a n y s o l u t i o n s o n t h e m a r k et c a n

a l s o b e s ea m l es s l y i n t eg r a t ed w i t h a n y

ex i s t i n g f i r e a l a r m s y s t em a n d o f f -s i t e

m o n i t o r i n g a n d a l a r m r ec ei v i n g

c en t r es ( A R C ) , d el i v er i n g en h a n c ed

s a f et y o v er a l l T h es e s y s t em s a r e

d es i g n ed t o a c t i v a t e o n l y i n r ea l

em er g en c i es , p r ev en t i n g c o s t l y a n d

u n n ec es s a r y ev a c u a t i o n s

F or cl a d d i n g r em ed i a t i on , l i n ea r h ea t

d et ect i on f or s ca f f ol d i

FIRE PROTECTION & SECURITY ROUND-UP

Abloy UK launches exclusive new digital keys webinar

Abloy UK has launched an exclusive new webinar that explores the company ’ s latest innovations in digital key technology, designed to provide valuable insights into the unique features and beneﬁts of four of its pioneering solutions ‘Unlocking the Future of Security: A Deep Dive into ABLOY's Digital Key Systems’ is aimed at security consultants, locksmiths, architects, and any other individuals involved in an industry where security is essential

The webinar covers four digital key systems, including PROTEC2 CLIQ, eCLIQ, PULSE, and CUMULUS Attendees can gain an in-depth understanding of each of these solutions and how they can be applied to various industries, plus, hear from industry leaders about the latest trends in digital security and the future of key management The webinar will also explore case studies that demonstrate the eﬀectiveness of these systems in real-world scenarios Attendees are also encouraged to participate in live Q&A sessions and discover how digital key solutions can help stay ahead in an evolving security landscape

n For further information on products and services available from Abloy UK visit www.rdr.link/lau004

UAP Expands 5 Roller Lock & Flip Hinge into the UK market

UAP Ltd has announced the introduction of its innovative 5 Roller 35mm Backset Multipoint Door Lock to the UK market UAP Ltd is a leading manufacturer of high-security multipoint locking systems for PVCu, composite, timber, steel, and aluminium doors

Following its success in Ireland, UAP is now expanding its 5 Roller 35mm Backset Multipoint Door Lock across the UK

The new lock offers several key features: it is equipped with a fifth roller below the centre, allowing for easier door compression and adjustment The door frame’s one piece keep suits all door profiles by using a profile related packer system The frame keep can also be adjusted using only an Allen key, simplifying both fabrication and installation The lock’s central hook mechanism replaces the traditional deadbolt, offering stronger resistance to forceful entry Two anti-lift pins further secure the door by preventing it from being lifted when locked Its top and bottom hooks move in opposite directions, ensuring one remains locked if the other is compromised

New ﬁre door hardware guide for responsible persons

Allegion UK, a leading name in fire safety hardware and manufacturer of ‘Briton’ door controls, has launched a new ‘Fire Door Hardware Fundamentals’ guide, designed to support responsible persons through the latest fire safety regulations and fire door hardware best practice

The newly published guide draws upon key insights from Briton’s leading industry experts, and in response to the UK’s developing regulatory framework, aims to deliver accessible information on the Fire Safety Reform Programme and the responsibilities associated with ﬁre door safety

Allegion’s guidance details the pivotal issues associated with fire door safety in the current landscape and looks to further raise awareness on the role of fire door hardware, before sharing trusted advice on specification, installation and maintenance

Now available digitally, electronically and in print, the Briton ‘Fire Door Hardware Fundamentals’ guide intends to assist responsible persons, duty holders and trade professionals by providing the foundations and frameworks needed for planning, delivering and maintaining ﬁre door safety strategies in UK buildings

n To download a free copy of the Briton ‘Fire Door Hardware Fundamentals‘ guide, visit: www rdr link/lau007

CLD introduces two new advanced louvred fence panel systems CLD Physical Security Systems (CLD), a design-focused supplier of perimeter security solutions, has recently launched two new innovative louvred fence panel systems - the Screenogril S1 and Screenogril S2

These systems are designed to enhance security by limiting visibility into sensitive premises, such as high-security units, schools, and hospitals, while eﬀectively preventing intrusion

The Screenogril S1 oﬀers a versatile solution, providing either 80% or 100% screening to reduce visibility It has been rigorously tested by the Loss Prevention

Certiﬁcation Board (LPCB) and has achieved an LPS 1175 A1 (SR1) Issue 8 rating This system delivers a minimum delay of 60 seconds against attacks, ensuring robust protection

For those requiring heightened security, the Screenogril S2 takes perimeter defense to the next level This system is rated LPS 1175 B3 (SR2) Issue 8 and features 69mm-wide fin louvres that completely block straight-on visibility Tested and certified by the LPCB, it provides a minimum attack delay of 3 minutes, offering enhanced protection for critical sites

Both Screenogril systems adhere to the highest industry standards, including BS1722-14:2017, BS EN ISO 1461:2022, and BS EN 13438:2013, and are Secured by Design accredited The modular, louvred panels are crafted from recycled materials, delivering both contemporary aesthetics and sustainable solutions for modern security needs

For more information, please visit www rdr link/lau005 n To learn more, visit www rdr link/lau006

TACKLING MOULD AND MILDEW IN RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES

PAGE 22 | ZINSSER STOPS MOULD IN ITS TRACKS

PAGE 24 | ZINSSER’S STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE FOR TACKLING MOULD

ZINSSER STOPS MOULD IN ITS TRACKS

Mould growth is a persistent and well-established issue in social housing. Caused by damp resulting from structural issues, poor ventilation, and other factors, it can pose serious health risks, particularly for vulnerable residents such as the elderly, young children, and those with respiratory conditions. Leading British specialist paint manufacturer, Zinsser works hand in hand with leading social housing providers, including South Tyneside Council Housing Services, who take a zerotolerance approach to mould growth in the properties they manage. Not only does Zinsser provide them with best-in-class products, covering everything from mould-removal to redecoration, they also provide free written specifications and on-site support, which is available nationwide

WCould you tell us about your role within South Tyneside Council Housing Services?

In my role as Building Surveyor, I work within a busy planned works team, carrying out full structural surveys to tenanted social housing properties, including damp surveys I carry our pre-

and post-site inspections and oversee the work of subcontractors, to ensure works are completed on time and disruption is kept to a minimum, always keeping our tenants in the loop

What are the main problems tenants come to you with in the residential homes that you look after?

The rise in the cost of living has meant many of our tenants, like most homeowners across the UK, have experienced an inflation in energy bills, including heating. This has caused many problems, including the rise of mould and mildew around the home

What is the council’s approach to damp and mould and mildew in residential properties?

When a tenant gets in touch with us to discuss issues with mould and mildew in their home, we have a zero-tolerance policy and act quickly We provide a 7day response to investigate, remove the mould and redecorate, to keep them as safe as possible

W e i n t r o d u c e d a t r i e d a n d t r u s t e d

s y s t e m m a n y y e a r s a g o u s i n g Z i n s s e r ’ s

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g r e a s e o r c o n t a m i n a n t s t h a t w o u l d

p r e v e n t t h e p a i n t f r o m a d h e r i n g . T h e n

w e t a c k l e t h e m o u l d u s i n g Z i n s s e r ’ s

M o u l d K i l l e r s p r a y , w h i c h e f f e c t i v e l y

e l i m i n a t e s i t N e x t , w e u s e B - I - N ® A Q U A

o n a r e a s w i t h s t a i n s , t o l o c k t h e m i n

a n d p r e v e n t t h e m r e a p p e a r i n g t h r o u g h

t h e f r e s h p a i n t w o r k A n d f i n a l l y , w e

a p p l y Z i n s s e r P e r m a W h i t e , a s p e c i a l i s

r e s i s t a n c e t o m o u l d g r o w t h , a s t h e

d e c o r a t i v e t o p c o a t , t o k e e p p r o p e r t i e s f r e s h e r f o r l o n g e r

Going forward we aim to educate our tenants on different types of mould –how to spot it and combat it in the home through an online portal providing more safety for them

How did you find out about the Zinsser brand and products?

Zinsser’s products were already well known and trusted by our team, some of whom are professional decorators We took advantage of Zinsser’s free specification service, which we learned of on their website and the rest is history We’ve been using Zinsser’s products now for years as a full end-toend system to combat mould

Why did you choose Zinsser?

Zinsser was the only brand we came across that featured a full product range that provided a full system of products to tackle mould, from the cleaner all the way to the mould-resistant emulsion paint itself

As we’ve been using the system for many years, we know we can trust the product and brand to deliver.

How did you find the specification service process?

We found the full specification service easy to use and a great benefit Zinsser’s friendly, trustworthy and responsive staff could not be more helpful. Over the years, if we have ever needed anything above and beyond the system itself, the technical support has been amazing –even so far as the staff who work in the Zinsser R&D laboratory have physically visited our properties to advise further on products needed and application

For social housing providers facing the growing challenge of damp, mould, and mildew, Zinsser’s specification service offers an invaluable resource With expert guidance, tailored solutions, and an emphasis on long-term prevention, it enables housing providers to combat these issues effectively and ensure the health and well-being of their tenants By investing in Zinsser’s services, housing associations and councils can create safer, healthier living environments while also saving on the long-term costs of recurring mould-related problems

n If you have a professional painting project you’d like assistance with, simply visit www.zinsseruk.com/speciﬁcationservice/ and one of our experienced speciﬁcation team will be in touch.

ZINSSER’S HOW TO GUIDE FOR TACKLING MOULD

The anticipated passing of Awaab’s Law will require social landlords to tackle damp and mould issues within strict deadlines Zinsser’s tried and trusted products offer swift mould removal and redecoration, providing mould-resistant protection to painted surfaces for up to seven years

Read on for Zinsser’s simple step-by-step guide to mould prevention and removal in just four simple steps.

STEP 1

First, thoroughly clean the mould-stained area with Zinsser Universal Degreaser & Cleaner, rinse thoroughly and allow to dry The concentrated cleaner, degreaser & stain remover is water-based and designed to remove tough stains fast

STEP 3

Once the surface is suitably prepared, keep mould stains at bay with waterbased primer, sealer, stain-killer and odour-blocker B-I-N AQUA B-I-N AQUA effectively blocks stubborn stains from mildew, nicotine, smoke, water, grease, tannin, crayon and lipstick, acts as an outstanding barrier against odours and offers exceptional adhesion without the need for sanding. It’s also tintable to pastel and mid-tone colours and recoatable in just 45 minutes

STEP 2

Next, apply Zinsser Mould Killer and Remover directly on the surface in order to get rid of existing mould and allow to dry. The Mould Killer and Remover contains a fungicide that effectively removes dark stains caused by mould, fungus and algae making it ideal for use in bathrooms, kitchens and other areas of high humidity

STEP 4

Finally, after allowing to dry, apply two coats of mould-resistant paint Zinsser PermaWhite to the surface, leaving two hours drying-time in between coats PermaWhite contains a biocide that protects the paint film against fungal degradation, in addition to cracking, peeling and blistering for up to seven years

The ultimate solution for mould growth, PermaWhite actively prevents mould and mildew in high humidity areas, making it an invaluable tool for protecting residential properties from mould for years to come. It has the added benefit of a Class 1 Scrub Rating for easy cleaning and is touch-dry in just 30 minutes

n For the ultimate, problem-solving paint products, check out the Zinsser range at www.zinsseruk.com

I m p r o v i n g L e a r n i n g

E n v i r o n m e n t s

T h r o u g h S o u n d

Classrooms are traditionally seen as hubs for lear ning and growth, with teachers imparting lessons and students absorbing new information. However, the effectiveness of this educational process often hinges on a commonly overlooked factor the acoustic environment. Here, with the help of ceiling solutions provider Zentia, LABM investigates

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a l s o h a v e a d v er s e ef f ec t s o n t ea c h er s ' w el l -b ei n g

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s y s t em s n ot on l y s er v e a f u n ct i on a l p u r p os e b u t a l s o con t r i b u t e t o t h e

a es t h et i c a p p ea l of l a r g e a r ea s s u ch a s

ca n t een s a n d r ecep t i on s

I n t h e j ou r n ey st u den t s m a k e

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t h e si gn i f i ca n ce of a cou st i c desi gn of t en

r em a i n s ov er l ook ed Yet , t h e qu a l i t y of

sou n d w i t h i n a cl a ssr oom ca n m a k e or

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n Zentia provides practical, innovative, and reliable solutions for speciﬁers For more information www rdr link/lau008

Kingspan Quadcore AWP LEC LCA shows a 21% embodied carbon reduction in LCA modules A1 – A3 (product stage) when compared to existing Quadcore AWP LCA to the EN15804-A2 standard for a 100mm

De c a r b o n i s i n g t h e p u b l i c e s t a t e

According to the UK Green Building Council, embodied carbon arising from the construction and refurbishment of buildings currently makes up 20% of the UK's built environment emissions. Here, Soha Hirbod, Divisional Head of Sustainability at Kingspan Insulated Panels looks at the challenges and opportunities for local authority stakeholders in the construction sector in reducing embodied carbon.

Wi t h a cces s t o com m u n i t i es , d i r ect i n f l u en ce on l oca l p ol i ci es a n d r es p on s i b i l i t y f or d el i v er i n g s er v i ces t h a t d i r ect l y i m p a ct em i s s i on s , t h er e i s a n op p or t u n i t y f or L oca l A u t h or i t i es t o con t r i b u t e s i g n i f i ca n t l y t o g ov er n m en t t a r g et s t o cu t ca r b on em i s s i on s , es p eci a l l y t h r ou g h p r op er m a n a g em en t of t h e p u b l i c s ect or es t a t e W h i l s t t h e f ocu s i s of t en on op er a t i on a l ca r b on , con s i d er i n g em b od i ed ca r b on ca n m a k e a n i m p or t a n t l on g -t er m con t r i b u t i on

C h a l l en g es of r ed u ci n g em b od i ed ca r b on

Com par ed t o m an agi n g oper at i on al car bon pr odu ced by bu i l di n gs, addr essi n g t h e i ssu e of em bodi ed car bon i n l ar ge pu bl i c bu i l di n gs i s a m or e com pl ex t ask U n l i k e oper at i on al car bon ,

em bodi ed car bon – t h e gr een h ou se gas em i ssi on s f r om pr odu ci n g, t r an spor t i n g an d di sposi n g of bu i l di n g m at er i al s, as w el l as t h e con st r u ct i on pr ocess i t sel f – i s l ock ed i n at t h e con st r u ct i on st age

D eci si on -m ak er s m ay l ack aw ar en ess of em bodi ed car bon an d w h y i t m at t er s

A s a r esu l t , t h er e can be i n su f f i ci en t con si der at i on of em bodi ed car bon du r i n g pr oj ect pl an n i n g

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U n d e r s t a n d i n g c o n s t r u c t i o n

p r o d u c t s t h r o u g h E P D s

W i t h so m an y com pl exi t i es t o t ack l e, u n der st an di n g w h at t o l ook f or w h en speci f y i n g con st r u ct i on pr odu ct s i s an obv i ou s st ar t i n g poi n t i n r edu ci n g em bodi ed car bon Her e, En v i r on m en t al

P r odu ct Decl ar at i on s ( EP Ds) can pl ay a si gn i f i can t r ol e i n h el pi n g t o u n der st an d t h e car bon f oot pr i n t of speci f i c pr odu ct s

A n EP D i s a st an dar di sed, t h i r d-par t y v er i f i ed docu m en t , dr aw n f r om a l i f ecy cl e assessm en t ( LCA ) , t h at pr ov i des

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deci si on s t h at can su ppor t N et Zer o an d su st ai n abi l i t y goal s

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em i s s i on s f r om r a w m a t er i a l ex t r a ct i on ,

m a n u f a ct u r i n g , t r a n s p or t a t i on ,

i n s t a l l a t i on , u s e, a n d en d -of -l i f e s t a g es

T h ei r s t a n d a r d i s ed f or m a t ca n a l l ow

d i f f er en t p r od u ct s a n d m a t er i a l s t o b e

com p a r ed on a n eq u a l f oot i n g b a s ed on

em b od i ed ca r b on a n d ot h er

en v i r on m en t a l i m p a ct s , l ea d i n g t o m or e

s u s t a i n a b l e ch oi ces I t i s i m p or t a n t t o

n ot e, h ow ev er, t h a t t h er e ca n b e a

s i g n i f i ca n t d i f f er en ce i n t h e q u a l i t y a n d

q u a n t i t y of d a t a t h a t i s p r ov i d ed , s o

m a k e s u r e t o com p a r e l i k e w i t h l i k e

Made with 75% recycled content, Kingspan’s LEC Structural Steel has been developed to help reduce the carbon footprint of construction projects.

H o w c a n p r o d u c t

m a n u f a c t u r e r s h e l p ?

P r ov i di n g h i gh -p er f or m a n ce s ol u t i on s

t h a t r edu ce a l a r ge bu i l di n g' s l i f et i m e

ca r bon cos t , br i n gi n g t h er m a l

p er f or m a n ce a n d en er gy ef f i ci en cy

w i t h ou t f or get t i n g a es t h et i c

r eq u i r em en t s i s t h e s t a r t i n g p oi n t

E n ga gi n g w i t h t h e LCA p r oces s t o

p r odu ce det a i l ed a n d a ccu r a t e E P D s n ot

on l y p r ov i des i n v a l u a bl e a n d

A ch i ev i n g t r u e ci r cu l a r i t y i s

ex t r em el y d i f f i cu l t f or con s t r u ct i on

p r od u ct s a t en d of l i f e, b u t r ecy cl i n g i s

n ot t h e on l y op t i on - i n s u l a t ed p a n el s

ca n b e r ea d i l y r em ov ed w h en

s t r u ct u r es a r e n o l on g er r eq u i r ed , a n d b eca u s e t h ey a r e of t en s t i l l t h er m a l l y ef f i ci en t a n d p er f ect l y u s a b l e, ca n b e r ep u r p os ed f or ot h er p r oj ect s I n t h e f ace of bu dget con st r ai n t s, l i m i t ed r esou r ces an d t h e n eed t o al i gn

t r a n s p a r en t i n f or m a t i on , bu t f r om a

m a n u f a ct u r er ' s p er s p ect i v e, t h ey

p r ov i de a ben ch m a r k t o s u p p or t

con t i n u ou s i m p r ov em en t , h el p i n g u s t o

i den t i f y a n y p ot en t i a l a r ea i n p r odu ct

l i f ecy cl es t o dr i v e gr ea t er ef f i ci en ci es

a n d r edu ce en v i r on m en t a l i m p a ct

E l i m i n a t i n g w a s t a g e b ot h i n t h e

f a ct or y a n d on -s i t e r ed u ces t h e ca r b on

cos t of p r od u ct s F or ex a m p l e, t o

a ch i ev e z er o w a s t e, w e op er a t e p r od u ct

t a k e-b a ck a n d w a s t e r ecov er y s ch em es

s o w e ca n ei t h er i n p u t m a t er i a l b a ck

i n t o t h e p r od u ct m a n u f a ct u r i n g cy cl e or cr ea t e en er g y f r om i n ci n er a t i on a s a

l a s t r es or t

w i t h n at i on al pol i ci es, pr odu ct sol u t i on s t h at h el p t o cu t bot h em bodi ed an d oper at i on al car bon sh ou l d f or m par t of a h ol i st i c appr oach t h at i n t egr at es

su st ai n abi l i t y i n t o ev er y st age of bu i l di n g desi gn , pr ocu r em en t , an d con st r u ct i on

W i t h EP D s of f er i n g cr adl e-t o-gr av e

i n f or m at i on t o si m pl i f y t h e speci f i cat i on pr ocess, t h er e h as n ev er been a bet t er

t i m e f or l ocal au t h or i t i es t o con si der t h ei r appr oach t o t ack l i n g em bodi ed car bon as an essen t i al el em en t of decar bon i sat i on , on ou r j ou r n ey t ow ar ds N et Zer o

n For more information please visit – www rdr link/lau009

Hackbridge Primary School in South London is the first school in the world to be built to the Passivhaus Plus standard, which means that it generates more energy than it u s e s o v e r t h e

c o u r s e o f a y e a r A n a s t a s i a M y l o n a , Te c h n i c a l D i re c t o r f ro m C I B S E e x p l a i n s h o w t h e e n g i n e e r s a p p ro a c h e d t h e d e s i g n o f t h i s p i o n e e r i n g s c h o o l .

Th e s ch ool ' s exem p l a r y eco-

cr ed en t i a l s w er e t h e r es u l t of

a n a m b i t i ou s cl i en t , w or k i n g

w i t h i n t h e con s t r a i n t s of

p l a n n i n g r eq u i r em en t s r el a t ed t o t h e

s i t e ’ s l oca t i on b et w een a con s er v a t i on

w et l a n d s a r ea a n d t h e p i on eer i n g

B ed Z E D eco-v i l l a g e T h i s com b i n a t i on ef f ect i v el y m ea n t t h e s ch ool h a d t o b e

z er o ca r b on i n op er a t i on

A r ch i t y pe, t h e sch em e's a r ch i t ect , su ggest ed t h e P a ssi v h a u s P l u s st a n da r d

a s a r obu st w a y of dem on st r a t i n g t o t h e pl a n n er s t h a t t h e sch em e w a s ca pa bl e

n ot on l y of m eet i n g t h e n et zer o

r equ i r em en t bu t of su per sedi n g i t

A r ch i t y pe w or k ed w i t h en gi n eer I n t r oba

t o dev el op t h e sol u t i on

T h e j u d g es a t t h e y ea r ' s C I B S E

B u i l d i n g P er f or m a n ce A w a r d s w er e

cer t a i n l y i m p r es s ed b y t h e s ch ool ' s

d es i g n , w h i ch w on P r oj ect of t h e Yea r -

P u b l i c U s e T h e j u d g es s a i d t h e d es i g n

t ea m m et t h e b r i ef w i t h a n excep t i on a l

d es i g n t h a t s u cces s f u l l y com b i n ed

" h i g h p er f or m i n g b u i l d i n g f a b r i c a n d

h i g h p er f or m i n g en g i n eer i n g s er v i ces"

T h e s c h o o l i s b u i l t o n a n i n s u l a t ed

c o n c r et e r a f t f o u n d a t i o n

i n c o r p o r a t i n g G r o u n d G r a n u l a t ed

B l a s t -f u r n a c e S l a g ( a b y -p r o d u c t o f

i r o n p r o d u c t i o n ) a s a b i n d er t o h el p

l o w er t h e s l a b ' s em b o d i ed c a r b o n

T h e f o u n d a t i o n i s t h e o n l y m a j o r n o n -

t i m b er el em en t i n t h e t w o -s t o r ey

s c h o o l ' s c o n s t r u c t i o n I t s en t i r e

s u p er s t r u c t u r e i s f o r m ed f r o m t i m b er

a s a r es u l t o f A r c h i t y p e' s u s e o f

E C C O l a b s o f t w a r e ea r l y i n t h e d es i g n

p r o c es s t o en a b l e i t t o s el ec t m a t er i a l s w i t h l o w em b o d i ed c a r b o n

To m i n i m i s e f u t u r e em b od i ed ca r b on

t h e i n t er n a l w a l l s a r e d es i g n ed t o b e

ea s i l y r econ f i g u r a b l e a s t h e s ch ool ' s n eed s ch a n g e ov er t i m e T h e b u i l d i n g

ca n a l s o b e ex t en d ed i n t h e f u t u r e t o a ccom m od a t e a n i n cr ea s ed p u p i l i n t a k e w i t h ou t t h e n eed t o r econ f i g u r e t h e

ex i s t i n g s t r u ct u r e or t h e m a j or i t y of t h e

b u i l d i n g s er v i ces

A s a P a s s i v h a u s s ch em e, t h e s ch ool

i s b u i l t w i t h a h i g h l y i n s u l a t ed a n d

a i r t i g h t b u i l d i n g en v el op e t o m i n i m i s e

i t s f a b r i c h ea t l os s es a n d t o con t r ol

h ea t g a i n s T h e cl a s s r oom s a r e

or i en t a t ed t o t a k e a d v a n t a g e of s ol a r g a i n s ; b r i s e s ol ei l a n d a n ov er s el l i n g

r oof a r e ca r ef u l l y d es i g n ed t o p r ov i d e

s h a d e, p r ev en t i n g t h e cl a s s r oom s f r om

g et t i n g t oo w a r m i n s u m m er

C l a s s r o o m s a r e p r o v i d ed w i t h

m i x ed m o d e v en t i l a t i o n W h en

c o n d i t i o n s a r e s u i t a b l e t ea c h er s c a n

o p en t h e w i n d o w s F o r t h e r em a i n d er

o f t h e t i m e a m ec h a n i c a l v en t i l a t i o n

u n i t w i t h h ea t r ec o v er y s u p p l i es f u l l

f r es h a i r G r i l l es t r a n s f er a i r f r o m t h e

c l a s s r o o m s t o t h e c o r r i d o r s ; f r o m

w h er e i t c a n p er c o l a t e t o t h e s c h o o l

h a l l , k i t c h en o r t o i l et s b ef o r e i t i s

d u c t ed b a c k t o t h e m ec h a n i c a l

v en t i l a t i o n u n i t f o r i t s h ea t o r c o o l t h t o

b e r ec o v er ed b ef o r e i t i s d i s c h a r g ed

I n w i n t er cl a s s r oom s a r e w a r m ed b y

h ea t f r om a n el ect r i c g r ou n d s ou r ce

h ea t p u m p T h i s ex t r a ct s h ea t f r om t h e

g r ou n d t h r ou g h ei g h t , 1 2 0 m d eep

b or eh ol es , w h i ch i s u p g r a d ed b y t h e

h ea t p u m p b ef or e i t i s p i p ed t o

r a d i a t or s i n t h e cl a s s r oom s I n s u m m er

b or eh ol e s u p p l y, p r ov i d es w a t er a t a P o w e r t o t h e P u p i l s

t h e h ea t p u m p ca n b e b y p a s s ed s o t h a t

t h e b or eh ol es ca n p r ov i d e w a t er a t

g r ou n d t em p er a t u r e ( a b ou t 1 0OC ) t o t h e

cool i n g coi l i n t h e v en t i l a t i on u n i t t o

cool t h e f r es h a i r s u p p l y A s ep a r a t e

h ea t p u m p , w h i ch u s es t h e s a m e

Photo credit: Jack Hobhouse / Architype

h i g h er t em p er a t u r e t o w a r m t h e d om es t i c h ot w a t er cy l i n d er

To m eet P a s s i v h a u s P l u s , t h e

s ch ool ' s h i g h l y i n s u l a t ed en v el op e a n d

l ow en er g y h ea t i n g s y s t em i s com b i n ed

w i t h a n ex t en s i v e p h ot ov ol t a i c ( P V ) a r r a y m ou n t ed on f r a m es a b ov e a g r een r oof T h e a r r a y en a b l es t h e s ch ool t o

g en er a t e m or e el ect r i ci t y t h a n i t u s es ov er t h e cou r s e of a y ea r

T h e d ow n s i d e of u s i n g P Vs on a s ch ool i s t h a t t h e p a n el s h a v e t h e h i g h es t el ect

Photo credit: Jack Hobhouse / Architype

Th e f u t u r e i s t i m b e r

Steve Griffiths, Technical Director at Taylor Lane Timber Frame discusses the essential role timber frame construction will play in delivering net zero and new build housing targets.

Ti m ber i s t h e on l y t r u e r en ew abl e

bu i l di n g m at er i al an d h as t h e

l ow est CO2 v al u e of an y

com m er ci al l y av ai l abl e bu i l di n g

m at er i al Th e cr i t i cal ben ef i t of u si n g

t i m ber i n con st r u ct i on i s car bon capt u r e

Th er e ar e t w o f or m s of car bon i n t h e

bu i l t en v i r on m en t , oper at i on al – r esu l t i n g

f r om t h e t y pe of en er gy or h eat i n g sy st em

u s ed i n t h e b u i l d i n g a n d em b od i ed ,

f r om t h e m a n u f a ct u r e, m a i n t en a n ce

a n d d i s p os a l of t h e con s t r u ct i on

p r od u ct s w h i ch f or m t h e b u i l d i n g

T h e ‘ W o o d i n C o n s t r u c t i o n i n t h e

U K ’ a n a l y s i s c o m m i s s i o n ed f o r t h e

C l i m a t e C h a n g e C o m m i t t ee ( C C C )

s u g g es t s t h a t s u b s t i t u t i n g t i m b er

f r a m e f o r m a s o n r y c a n r ed u c e t h e

em b o d i ed c a r b o n i n a s i n g l e b u i l d i n g

b y a r o u n d 2 0 % a n d t h a t a t i m b er

f r a m ed h o u s e c a n s t o r e m o r e c a r b o n

i n t h e b u i l d i n g s t r u c t u r e t h a n a

m a s o n r y b u i l d ( s o u r c e: t h ec c c o r g u k )

H o m es b u i l t u s i n g t i m b er f r a m e,

t h er ef o r e, c a n h el p t h e U K m eet i t s

c l i m a t e t a r g et s

M e e t i n g s t a n d a r d s a n d b u i l d

t a r g e t s

N ex t y ea r, t h e F u t u r e H om es St a n d a r d

( F H S ) i s d u e t o b e p u b l i s h ed T h es e

r eg u l a t i on s w i l l en s u r e a l l n ew h om es

a r e l ow ca r b on , p r od u ci n g 7 5 % t o 8 0 %

l es s ca r b on t h a n p r ev i ou s s t a n d a r d s

H om es w i l l b e a f f or d a b l e t o r u n , com f or t a b l e t o l i v e i n a n d l ow or n et

z er o ca r b on

S om e t i m b er f r a m e s y s t em s a l r ea d y

d em on s t r a t e s u p er i or s u i t a b i l i t y i n

m eet i n g f u t u r e h om es r eq u i r em en t s

Ou r M M C C a t eg or y 2 t i m b er f r a m e w a l l

s y s t em s , f or ex a m p l e, ca n a l r ea d y

exceed cu r r en t B u i l d i n g R eg u l a t i on s

a n d t h e u p l i f t i n P a r t L Ou r U l t i m a t e

w a l l s y s t em r ed u ces col d b r i d g i n g a n d

of f er s en h a n ced t h er m a l p er f or m a n ce

a n d a i r t i g h t n es s W i t h a d d i t i on a l f a ct or y -f i t t ed i n s u l a t i on i t ca n a ch i ev e a

U -v a l u e of 0 1 2 t o 0 1 5 W / M 2 K b a s ed on

a n ex t er n a l m a s on r y f i n i s h

B a l a n c i n g a c t H ow ev er, t h e F u t u r e H om es St a n d a r d

m u s t n ow b e d el i v er ed u n d er p r es s u r e

T h e Gov er n m en t s et n ew h ou s i n g

t a r g et s i n J u l y, w i t h a p l ed g e t o d el i v er

1 5 m n ew h om es i n E n g l a n d b y 2 0 2 9 ,

i n cl u d i n g a b oos t t o t h e s oci a l h ou s i n g

“T h i s m e a n s s t a ke h o l d e r s

mu s t n ow s e e k s o l u t i o n s

w h i c h d e l i ve r c a r b o n

e ffi

c i e n t h o m e s , q u i ck l y. ”

s ect or T h es e v ol u m es ca n on l y b e

a ch i ev ed w i t h a m a j or i n cr ea s e i n

ou t p u t T h i s m ea n s s t a k eh ol d er s m u s t

n ow s eek s ol u t i on s w h i ch d el i v er

ca r b on ef f i ci en t h om es , q u i ck l y

F u r t h e r b e n e f i t s o f t i m b e r f r a m e

W h en u s ed a s M M C C a t eg o r y 2 t i m b er

f r a m e, t h i s r en ew a b l e b u i l d i n g

m a t er i a l c a n p r o d u c e h i g h -q u a l i t y,

h i g h -p er f o r m a n c e h o m es , f a s t T h e

b en ef i t s o f t h i s m o d er n m et h o d o f

c o n s t r u c t i o n a r e n u m er o u s ; h er e a r e a

f ew k ey h i g h l i g h t s :

S p e e d

B ey on d t h e i n h er en t b en ef i t s of w ood ,

t i m b er f r a m e con s t r u ct i on i s a f a s t er

b u i l d m et h od t h a n t r a d i t i on a l b r i ck a n d

b l ock , w i t h ou t com p r om i s i n g on q u a l i t y

P r eci s i on en g i n eer ed u n d er f a ct or y

con d i t i on s , t h e t i m b er f r a m e s y s t em i s

h i g h l y a ccu r a t e w i t h l es s w a s t e, t h i s n ot

on l y s p eed s u p t h e b u i l d p r og r a m m e b y

a b ou t a t h i r d , b u t i t ca n a l s o r ed u ce

w a s t e a n d r ecy cl i n g cos t s on s i t e

F u t u r e p r o o f

W i t h s m a r t d es i g n a M M C C a t eg or y 2

t i m b er f r a m e h om e ca n b e f u t u r e-

p r oof ed f or f u t u r e i n n ov a t i on a n d

f l ex i b i l i t y T h e a d d i t i on of k n ock -ou t

p a n el s m ea n s f l oor p l a n s ca n b e

ch a n g ed f or s u i t a b i l i t y a n d ch a n g i n g

d em a n d s , f or i n s t a n ce T h i s b u i l t -i n

f l ex i b i l i t y i s p a r t i cu l a r l y b en ef i ci a l f or

s oci a l h ou s i n g p r ov i d er s

N a t u r a l i n s u l a t o r

W i t h con s u m er s t a ck l i n g h i g h en er g y cos t s on ce a g a i n t h i s w i n t er, i t i s a l s o

w or t h n ot i n g t h a t t i m b er i s a n a t u r a l

i n s u l a t or a n d w h en u s ed a s a s t r u ct u r a l

m a t er i a l ca n con t r i b u t e t o t h e t h er m a l

p er f or m a n ce of t h e b u i l d i n g a n d

t h er ef or e, p ot en t i a l l y h el p t o r ed u ce en er g y cos t s f or r es i d en t s

I n v e s t i n t e c h n i c a l u n d e r s t a n d i n g

H ow ev er, w h i l e s om e s t a k eh ol d er s h a v e

d ev el op ed s k i l l s , t ech n ol og i es a n d

s u p p l y ch a i n s t o d el i v er h i g h er

s t a n d a r d h om es , t h er e i s s t i l l

i n s u f f i ci en t t ech n i ca l u n d er s t a n d i n g of

t i m b er f r a m e, a n d a s a n a t i on , w e a r e i n

d a n g er of f a l l i n g b eh i n d w h en i t com es

t o em b r a ci n g t h i s b u i l d m et h od

T h e r ep or t ‘ T i m b er P ol i cy ’ , com m i s s i on ed b y t r a d e a s s oci a t i on

T i m b er D ev el op m en t U K ( T D U K ) a n d

w r i t t en b y W a u g h T h i s t l et on A r ch i t ect s ,

ex a m i n es h ow ot h er cou n t r i es s u ch a s

Ger m a n y, t h e N et h er l a n d s , D en m a r k ,

F r a n ce, F i n l a n d a n d t h e U S A a r e

a ct i v el y en cou r a g i n g t i m b er

con s t r u ct i on i n t h ei r n a t i on a l a n d

r eg i on a l p ol i ci es

E d u ca t i on a n d t r a i n i n g a r e cen t r a l t o

r ea l i s i n g t h es e i d ea l s M a n y of t h e

cou n t r i es ci t ed i n t h e T i m b er P ol i cy

h a v e p ol i ci es t o u p s k i l l a n d r e-s k i l l

ex i s t i n g w or k f or ce a n d en cou r a g e n ew

en t r a n t s i n t o t h e t i m b er i n d u s t r y T h i s

a p p r oa ch , cou p l ed w i t h i m p r ov i n g

g en er a l a w a r en es s a n d a p p r eci a t i on of t i m b er f r a m e, i n d u s t r y -w i d e, w ou l d h el p

t h e U K d el i v er n et z er o, d eca r b on i s e

t h e s oci a l h ou s i n g s ect or a n d a b ov e a l l ,

b u i l d b et t er h om es

Ta y l or L a n e T i m b er F r a m e w or k s

w i t h a r ch i t ect s , s oci a l h ou s i n g

p r ov i d er s a n d h ou s eb u i l d er s t o i m p r ov e

a w a r en es s of t i m b er f r a m e, i t s b en ef i t s

a n d t h e n u a n ces of w or k i n g w i t h t h i s

m od er n m et h od of con s t r u ct i on

residential archetypes in scope

A c h i e v i n g N e t Z e r o i n t h e P u b l i c E s t a t e

Within the public sector, there can be hesitation to greenlight essential decarbonisation and retrofit schemes to meet the quickly approaching Net Zero deadline. There is concer n that transforming estates and operational aspects of buildings is not without its practical and financial challenges. Here, Sarah Butler, Divisional Director and Local Gover nment Lead for Drees & Sommer UK, explores what successful progress looks like in the public sector

Dr ees a n d S om m er U K ’ s Z er o

C a r b on p a r t n er s h i p ( ZC P ) w i t h

E QU A N S a n d M a n ch es t er C i t y

C ou n ci l ( M C C ) , i s h el p i n g t h e

l oca l a u t h or i t y r ea l i s e i t s a m b i t i on of

b ecom i n g N et Z er o b y 2 0 3 8 b y

i m p l em en t i n g a d eca r b on i s a t i on

s t r a t eg y f or M C C ’ s b u i l t en v i r on m en t

I t p r ov i d es a m ech a n i s m t o m a k e

t a n g i b l e g a i n s t ow a r d s t h e ci t y ’ s N et

Z er o a m b i t i on b y d i r ect l y t a r g et i n g k ey

b a r r i er s t o d eca r b on i s a t i on

M C C a n d E Q U A N S h a v e a s t r o n g

a n d es t a b l i s h ed r el a t i o n s h i p ,

u n d er p i n n ed b y ex i s t i n g o p er a t i o n a l

c o n t r a c t s f o r m a i n t a i n i n g t h e M C C

P u b l i c B u i l d i n g s p o r t f o l i o ( 3 5 0 c o r e

b u i l d i n g s ) , a n d t h e r ep a i r a n d

m a i n t en a n c e o f M C C ’ s n o r t h

M a n c h es t er h o u s i n g s t o c k o f c 1 2 , 5 0 0 h o m es A s p a r t o f t h e Z er o C a r b o n

P a r t n er s h i p a n a s s et -b a s ed

c o n s u l t a n c y h a s b een c o m p l et ed t o

i d en t i f y t h e t ec h n i c a l c o n s t r u c t i o n s o l u t i o n s a n d c o s t s a s s o c i a t ed w i t h

d ec a r b o n i s i n g t h e C o u n c i l ’ s es t a t e

I n f o r m a t i o n G a t h e r i n g

T h e p r o c es s b eg a n w i t h a n i n f o r m a t i o n g a t h er i n g exer c i s e, u n d er t a k en t o p r i o r i t i s e t h e b u i l d i n g s

t o b e s u r v ey ed T h e i n f o r m a t i o n

g a t h er ed i n c l u d ed b u i l d i n g

i n f o r m a t i o n , o w n er s h i p a r r a n g em en t s ,

c o n s u m p t i o n d a t a , l i f ec y c l e p l a n s

( w h er e p r es en t ) , b u i l d i n g u s e, a n d

a s s et d i s p o s a l s t r a t eg y O n c e t h i s h a d

b een a n a l y s ed a n d t h e 7 2 h i g h es t

c a r b o n p r o d u c i n g s i t es o n t h e

c o u n c i l ’ s c o r p o r a t e es t a t e i d en t i f i ed ,

a l o n g s i d e t h e 1 2 , 0 0 0 r es i d en t i a l

b u i l d i n g s t h a t w er e a l s o i n t h e

p r o j ec t ’ s s c o p e, w o r k b eg a n o n t h e

n ex t s t a g e o f t h e p r o c es s : s u r v ey i n g

residential archetypes and areas of fuel poverty (darker shaded areas indicate higher levels of fuel poverty)

Th e 7 2 bu i l di n gs i n t h e cor por a t e

est a t e w er e f ou n d t o h a v e a n ou t si zed

con t r i bu t i on t o t h e ca r bon f oot pr i n t of

t h e cou n ci l ’ s 3 5 0 cor e bu i l di n gs I n i t i a l l y,

t h e r esi den t i a l bu i l di n gs w er e pr i or i t i sed,

a n d f u r t h er bu i l di n gs h a v e si n ce been

a dded a s pa r t of a n on goi n g pr ocess of com pl et el y su r v ey i n g a l l t h e cou n ci l s ’

cor por a t e a n d sch ool bu i l di n gs

A s s e t S u r v e y i n g

S u r v ey i n g t ea m s a c c o r d i n g l y v i s i t ed

ea c h i n s c o p e s i t e, a s s es s i n g t h e

i n f o r m a t i o n p r ev i o u s l y g a t h er ed w i t h

t h e c u r r en t s i t e c o n d i t i o n s T h ey

l o o k ed a t t h e s i t e l a y o u t , t h e c u r r en t

h ea t i n g / c o o l i n g s y s t em , a l o n g w i t h

a s s es s i n g t h e a g e a n d c o n d i t i o n o f k ey

a s s et s s u c h a s b o i l er s a n d i d en t i f y i n g

s i t e s p ec i f i c r i s k s

H e a t D e c a r b o n i s a t i o n P l a n s

H ea t D eca r b on i s a t i on P l a n s f or ea ch of

t h e 7 2 b u i l d i n g s of t h e cou n ci l ’ s

cor p or a t e es t a t e w er e d ev el op ed T h es e

p l a n s w er e w r i t t en t o m eet t h e cr i t er i a

of P u b l i c S ect or D eca r b on i s a t i on

S ch em e ( P S D S ) / L ow C a r b on S k i l l s

F u n d ( L C S F ) f u n d i n g t o en a b l e t h e

C ou n ci l t o a p p l y t o t h e f u n d s F or t h e

r es i d en t i a l a s p ect of t h e p r oj ect ,

i n f or m a t i on w a s a l s o g en er a t ed t o

s u p p or t t h e cou n ci l i n s ecu r i n g g r a n t f u n d i n g , s u ch a s t h e S oci a l H ou s i n g

D eca r b on i s a t i on F u n d ( S H D F )

C l i m a t e R i s k A s s e s s m e n t s

A t t h e s a m e t i m e, c l i m a t e r i s k

a s s es s m en t s w er e u n d er t a k en t o

i l l u s t r a t e t h e r i s k s a s s o c i a t ed w i t h

c h a n g i n g w ea t h er p a t t er n s w i t h i n a

g i v en a r ea C a r r y i n g o u t t h es e

c o n c u r r en t l y t o t h e h ea t

d ec a r b o n i s a t i o n p l a n s g en er a t ed

s i g n i f i c a n t c o s t ef f i c i en c i es f o r t h e

C o u n c i l T h e a s s es s m en t s i n c l u d ed

c o n s i d er i n g i n c r ea s ed r a i n f a l l , h o t t er

s u m m er s , a n d c o l d er w i n t er s , a l l o f

w h i c h c o u l d h a v e a d et r i m en t a l ef f ec t

o n t h e u s e o f a p a r t i c u l a r b u i l d i n g

W i t h t h e i m p a c t o f c l i m a t e c h a n g e

b ei n g f el t i n c r ea s i n g l y ea c h y ea r, t h e

c l i m a t e r i s k a s s es s m en t f o r m s a

c o m p l em en t a r y a p p en d i x t o t h e h ea t

d ec a r b o n i s a t i o n p l a n s

L i f e c y c l e M o d e l l i n g

U n d er t a k i n g l i f ec y c l e m o d el l i n g

a l l o w ed o u r t ea m t o t h en c o n s i d er

d ec a r b o n i s a t i o n i n t h e c o n t ex t o f a s s et

r ep l a c em en t , w i t h a v i ew t o a l i g n i n g

c a p i t a l w o r k s w i t h n a t u r a l a s s et

l i f ec y c l e r ep l a c em en t B y d o i n g s o , t h e

C o u n c i l w er e a b l e t o r ed u c e w a s t a g e

b y en s u r i n g a s s et s w er e n o t r ep l a c ed

b ef o r e t h ei r l i f ec y c l e ex p i r ed I n

a d d i t i o n , t h e l i f ec y c l e c a p i t a l o r i g i n a l l y

b u d g et ed t o r ep l a c e a n y r el ev a n t

d ec a r b o n i s a t i o n a s s et ( s u c h a s g a s

b o i l er s ) c o u l d n o w b e p u t t o w a r d s f u n d i n g t h e d ec a r b o n i s a t i o n w o r k s

N e t C o s t o f D e c a r b o n i s a t i o n

On ce m odel l ed, t h e da t a w a s u sed t o

m ea su r e t h e n et cost of deca r bon i sa t i on

Th i s en com pa ssed t h e t ot a l cost of deca r bon i sa t i on w or k s i den t i f i ed

t h r ou gh t h e h ea t deca r bon i sa t i on

r epor t s, m i n u s t h e ex pect ed l i f e cy cl e

cost s of deca r bon i sa t i on a sset

r epl a cem en t i den t i f i ed t h r ou gh t h e

l i f ecy cl e m odel l i n g exer ci se

F u n d i n g t h e S c h e m e s

G r a n t f u n d i n g w i n d o w s c a n o p en

s u d d en l y w i t h o n l y a l i m i t ed t i m e t o

r es p o n d , s o i t w a s v i t a l t h a t t h e

m et h o d o l o g y w a s d es i g n ed t o en s u r e

t h a t t h e p er t i n en t i n f o r m a t i o n w a s

a v a i l a b l e w h en i t c a m e t o s u b m i t t i n g a

g o o d q u a l i t y a p p l i c a t i o n T w o k ey

f u n d i n g s t r ea m s a r e a v a i l a b l e t o p u b l i c

s ec t o r b o d i es t o p r o g r es s t h ei r n et

z er o a m b i t i o n s :

l L o w C a r b o n S k i l l s F u n d ( L C S F ) -

F u n d i n g a v a i l a b l e f o r p u b l i c s ec t o r

b o d i es t o p r o g r es s p r ec o n s t r u c t i o n

a c t i v i t y, w h et h er g l o b a l d ec a r b o n i s a t i o n s t r a t eg i es , i n d i v i d u a l d ec a r b o n i s a t i o n r ep o r t s o r d et a i l ed d es i g n d ev el o p m en t

l P u bl i c Sect or D ecar bon i sat i on Sch em e – L ar ger capi t al f u n di n g t o f aci l i t at e decar bon i sat i on con st r u ct i on act i v i t y, par t i cu l ar l y f ocu si n g on t h e decar bon i sat i on of h eat f or qu al i f y i n g pu bl i c sect or bodi es

P r o j e c t D e l i v e r y

To d a t e, s ev en d eca r b on i s a t i on

s ch em es h a v e b een com p l et ed w i t h a

“

Deliver ing social value

can often

be hard to quantify, but it is vital to do so…

”

f u r t h er s ev en u n d er w a y T h i s h a s b een

d on e t h r ou g h a com b i n ed a p p r oa ch of

d eca r b on i s a t i on t ech n ol og i es , i n cl u d i n g

A i r S ou r ce H ea t P u m p s , S ol a r p a n el s ,

B u i l d i n g M a n a g em en t Sy s t em

u p g r a d es , i n s u l a t i on a n d i n s t a l l i n g L E D

l i g h t i n g T h i s h a s en a b l ed t h e r em ov a l of g a s f r om t h e b u i l d i n g s a n d i s es t i m a t ed t o s a v e a t ot a l of 5 0 0 t on n es of ca r b on ea ch y ea r

S o c i a l v a l u e

D el i v er i n g s o c i a l v a l u e c a n o f t en b e

h a r d t o q u a n t i f y, b u t i t i s v i t a l t o d o s o

t o r ec o g n i s e t h e R O I o f

d ec a r b o n i s a t i o n ef f o r t s T h i s c a n b e

d o n e t h r o u g h a h o l i s t i c l en s t o

m ea s u r e t h e t r u e i m p a c t o f t h e w o r k

c o m p l et ed E x a m p l es o f b en ef i t s

d i r ec t l y d er i v ed f r o m d ec a r b o n i s a t i o n

i n c l u d e t h a t o f r ed u c ed f u el p o v er t y,

i m p r o v ed h ea l t h , a n d i n c r ea s ed

s o c i o -ec o n o m i c b en ef i t s y i el d ed b y ex p en d i t u r e i n t h e l o c a l ec o n o m y t o

i n s t a l l n ew t ec h n o l o g y

To d a t e, t h e t o t a l s o c i a l v a l u e

g en er a t ed b y o u r w o r k w i t h M C C

s t a n d s a t o v er £ 1 9 m T h i s

d em o n s t r a t es t h e v a l u e t h e p u b l i c

s ec t o r c a n h a r n es s b y i m p l em en t i n g

d ec a r b o n i s a t i o n p o l i c i es

n For more information, please visit www.rdr.link/lau012

ROAD TO ZERO CARBON ROUND UP

New high temperature commercial heat pump

The Daikin CZ-HT (High Temperature Commercial Heat Pump) is a high temperature air-to-water inverter heat pump The CZ-HT provides a high temperature and low carbon solution, reaching an impressive 70°C heating water temperature in all weather conditions The CZHT also works in high delta T conditions allowing the supply of heating water to diﬀerent heating applications in the installation space

The CZ-HT is suitable for multiple applications such as comfort heating, domestic hot water and comfort cooling in all commercial and larger scale residential settings, such as hospitals and student accommodation Additionally, the CZ-HT is ideal for both new and retroﬁt applications and is a direct replacement for commercial fossil fuel boilers

All units in the range can be conﬁgured in reduced noise mode, particularly suitable for noise-sensitive applications such as residential buildings, schools and hospitals

n For more information on the Daikin CZ-HT heat pump please go to www.rdr.link/lau013

Glidevale Protect gets green light for recycling processes

Leading building products manufacturer Glidevale Protect has joined forces with recycling partner Go Green to make further improvements to its waste management process and further minimise its impact on the environment

Go Green, a leader in outsourced waste management and recycling solutions, recently conducted an audit of Glidevale Protect’s waste management systems in place at its Pinxton manufacturing site The audit looked at all areas including the disposal of packaging and hazardous waste, the segregation and baling of cardboard, plastics and membrane, right down to the way food waste from its employee canteen is collected and processed

Glidevale Protect operates from two manufacturing facilities in the UK, both of which achieved accreditation to the ISO 50001 Energy Management Standard earlier this year as well as both factories already holding ISO 14001 certiﬁcation, demonstrating eﬀective environmental management systems are being implemented

Future-Proofed Air Source Heat Pump for Light Commercial Applications

Viessmann Climate Solutions UK has launched a new 40 kW air source heat pump that oﬀers unparalleled performance and sustainability for larger properties, public sector applications and small- to mid-scale commercial installations

Providing both heating and cooling within a single appliance, the Vitocal 250-A Pro has an impressive Coeﬃcient of Performance (CoP) of 5 32 at A7/W35 (outside air temperature 7 oC and DHW 35 oC)

Unusually for a heat pump of this size, it is energy rated A+++ for both low and medium temperature applications

Its compact, linear appearance makes it easy to blend into surrounding architecture and landscaping And, thanks to its maximum ﬂow temperature of 70 oC, it can be used with existing radiator systems in many cases, making it ideal for larger modernisation projects

Passiv UK’s Innovative Heat Pump Smart Thermostat: Designed with Social Tenants in Mind

The Passiv Smart Thermostat is the ﬁrst smart thermostat designed speciﬁcally for controlling heat pumps and is the result of over 10 years of R&D in low-carbon heating solutions

Over the past decade, Passiv has worked with social landlords to improve heating systems for social tenants by installing heat pumps with smart controls, speciﬁcally designed to lower residents' energy bills and to enhance their comfort Installing the Passiv Smart Thermostat alongside heat pumps can simplify the currently complex heating system controls for the tenant, providing a solution to controlling home comfort without the need for an internet connection or a smartphone

Once installed, it learns how a home heats up and cools down and how a heating system behaves It then uses local weather forecasts to calculate the optimal way to meet a homeowner’s comfort requirements with smart preheating, while continuously optimising the heat pump ’ s ﬂow temperature to maximise its COP This also removes the need for an installer to set a weather compensation curve, taking the guesswork out of heat pump installation

New CIBSE approved CPD explains heat pump refrigerant types

Ideal Heating Commercial has released a new CIBSE approved CPD: Understanding refrigerants & how they aﬀect the choice of commercial heat pumps It addresses both synthetic and natural refrigerants and provides valuable advice for customers seeking the most energy eﬃcient commercial heat pump

A concise CPD, ideal for a lunchtime session, it opens with a brief introduction to heat pumps and how they operate, including the refrigerant cycle and key principles such as co-efficient of performance (COP) and global warming potential (GWP) It then proceeds to explain the different refrigerant types (synthetic and natural) and their key features, and the factors to take into account when designing an efficient heating system using the different refrigerants The CPD also addresses decarbonisation in the heating sector and refrigerant phase-down and closes by touching on the future of refrigerants

F o r a l l t h e l a t e s t n e w s a n d v i e w s c h e c k o u t l a b m o n l i n e . c o . u k

L O C A L A U T H O R I T Y B U I L D I N G& M A I N T E N A N C E

L A B M ’s w e b s i t e o f f e r s a n e s s e n t i a l i n f o r m a t i o n r e s o u r c e f o r l o c a l a u t h o r i t y a n d h o u s i n g

a s s o c i a t i o n s p e c i f i e r s , a n d a n y o n e i n v o l v e d i n t h e c o n s t r u c t i o n , r e f u r b i s h m e n t a n d

m a i n t e n a n c e o f s o c i a l a n d a f f o r d a b l e h o u s i n g , s c h o o l s , h e a l t h c a r e f a c i l i t i e s

a n d p u b l i c s e c t o r b u i l d i n g s

O n t h e w e b s i t e y o u ’ l l f i n d d e t a i l s o n a l l t h e l a t e s t f u n d i n g a n d r e g u l a t o r y u p d a t e s , s e c t o r a n n o u n c e m e n t s , c o n t r a c t a w a r d s a n d i n d u s t r y e v e n t s We s h a r e i n s i g h t a n d o p i n i o n f r o m

c o m m e n t a t o r s a c r o s s t h e s u p p l y c h a i n , f e a t u r e i n - d e p t h p r o j e c t c a s e s t u d i e s a n d i n o u r

P r o d u c t s s e c t i o n , s h o w c a s e n e w p r o d u c t i n n o v a t i o n s , t e c h n o l o g i e s a n d c o n s t r u c t i o n s o l u t i o n s

D o n ’ t f o r g e t t o f o l l o w u s o n Tw i t t e r @ la b mm a g a n d o n L i n k e d I n a t

w w w. li nke d in. c o m/ c o mp a ny / lo c al -a u t ho r it y -b u il di ng - m ai nt e na nce f o r a l l t h e l a t e s t s t o r i e s

KITCHENS, BATHROOMS & DISABILITY NEEDS

P l e a s e C o m e I n

Sophie Weston, Head of Marketing at Geberit UK, looks at how local authorities can design more accessible toilets to meet the requirements of today’s diverse population.

In a n er a w h er e p u b l i c s ect or

b u i l d i n g s m u s t s er v e a n i n cr ea s i n g l y

d i v er s e p op u l a t i on , t h e p r ov i s i on of

a cces s i b l e a n d d i g n i f i ed b a t h r oom

f a ci l i t i es h a s b ecom e a cr i t i ca l

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h ou s i n g a s s oci a t i on s W i t h a n a g ei n g

p op u l a t i on a n d g r ow i n g em p h a s i s on i n cl u s i v e d es i g n , f a ci l i t i es m a n a g er s

a n d s p eci f i er s f a ce m ou n t i n g p r es s u r e

t o d el i v er s ol u t i on s t h a t m eet b ot h

cu r r en t n eed s a n d f u t u r e d em a n d s

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p r es en t s s i g n i f i ca n t i m p l i ca t i on s f or p u b l i c s ect or b u i l d i n g m a n a g em en t ,

p a r t i cu l a r l y i n h ea l t h ca r e f a ci l i t i es a n d

s h el t er ed h ou s i n g w h er e b a t h r oom

a cces s i b i l i t y i s p a r a m ou n t

T h e ch a l l en g e ex t en d s b ey on d com p l i a n ce w i t h a cces s i b i l i t y

r eg u l a t i on s Tod a y ' s f a ci l i t i es m a n a g er s

m u s t b a l a n ce m u l t i p l e com p et i n g

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i n d ep en d en ce f or u s er s w i t h v a r y i n g

m ob i l i t y n eed s , m a i n t a i n i n g h y g i en e

s t a n d a r d s , m a n a g i n g w a t er ef f i ci en cy,

a n d con t r ol l i n g l on g -t er m m a i n t en a n ce

cos t s – a l l w h i l e w or k i n g w i t h i n s t r i ct

p u b l i c s ect or b u d g et s

A c o m p r e h e n s i v e s o l u t i o n t o

a c c e s s i b i l i t y n e e d s

Tr a d i t i o n a l a c c es s i b l e b a t h r o o m

s o l u t i o n s o f t en f a l l s h o r t i n

a d d r es s i n g t h es e m u l t i p l e c h a l l en g es

c o m p r eh en s i v el y S t a n d a r d

a c c es s i b l e t o i l et s , w h i l e m eet i n g

b a s i c r eq u i r em en t s , f r eq u en t l y

r eq u i r e a d d i t i o n a l s u p p o r t f r o m c a r e

s t a f f , l ea d i n g t o i n c r ea s ed

o p er a t i o n a l c o s t s a n d r ed u c ed

d i g n i t y f o r u s er s I n a d eq u a t e

s o l u t i o n s c a n a l s o l ea d t o h i g h er s t a f f

u t i l i s a t i o n r a t es f o r b a t h r o o m

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a c c i d en t s , g r ea t er m a i n t en a n c e

r eq u i r em en t s d u e t o i m p r o p er u s e a n d h i g h er w a t er c o n s u m p t i o n d u e t o i n ef f i c i en t s y s t em s

M o d er n s h o w er t o i l et s o l u t i o n s ,

s u c h a s t h e G eb er i t A q u a C l ea n M er a

C a r e, i n s t ea d r ep r es en t a s i g n i f i c a n t a d v a n c em en t i n a d d r es s i n g t h es e

c h a l l en g es B y i n c o r p o r a t i n g

a u t o m a t ed f u n c t i o n s a n d er g o n o m i c

d es i g n p r i n c i p l es , t h es e s y s t em s

p r o v i d e a m o r e c o m p r eh en s i v e

s o l u t i o n t o a c c es s i b i l i t y n eed s w h i l e

a d d r es s i n g o p er a t i o n a l c o n c er n s K ey

f ea t u r es t h a t a d d r es s p u b l i c s ec t o r

p a i n p o i n t s i n c l u d e a u t o m a t i c

o p er a t i o n r ed u c i n g t h e n eed f o r

m a n u a l a s s i s t a n c e, b u i l t -i n w a s h i n g

a n d d r y i n g f u n c t i o n s p r o m o t i n g

i n d ep en d en c e, t o u c h l es s o p er a t i o n

s u p p o r t i n g i n f ec t i o n c o n t r o l , p r o g r a m m a b l e u s er p r o f i l es

a c c o m m o d a t i n g d i f f er en t n eed s , a n d

w a t er -ef f i c i en t o p er a t i o n s u p p o r t i n g

s u s t a i n a b i l i t y g o a l s

W h i l e t h e i n i t i a l i n v es t m en t i n a d v a n c ed b a t h r o o m s o l u t i o n s m a y b e

h i g h er t h a n t r a d i t i o n a l o p t i o n s , t h e

l o n g -t er m ec o n o m i c b en ef i t s f o r p u b l i c

s ec t o r o r g a n i s a t i o n s c a n b e

s u b s t a n t i a l R ed u c ed c a r e s t a f f r eq u i r em en t s , l o w er m a i n t en a n c e n eed s , a n d i m p r o v ed w a t er ef f i c i en c y a l l c o n t r i b u t e t o d ec r ea s ed o p er a t i o n a l c o s t s o v er t h e s y s t em ' s l i f et i m e F o r ex a m p l e, a u t o m a t ed w a s h i n g a n d d r y i n g f u n c t i o n s c a n r ed u c e t h e n eed

f o r c a r e s t a f f a s s i s t a n c e c o n s i d er a b l y i n s o m e s et t i n g s W h en m u l t i p l i ed

a c r o s s m u l t i p l e f a c i l i t i es a n d y ea r s o f o p er a t i o n , t h e s a v i n g s i n s t a f f t i m e

a l o n e c a n o f f s et t h e i n i t i a l i n v es t m en t

A f o r w a r d - t h i n k i n g c h o i c e

A s p u b l i c s ec t o r b u i l d i n g s f a c e

i n c r ea s i n g p r es s u r e t o a d a p t t o

c h a n g i n g d em o g r a p h i c n eed s ,

i n v es t i n g i n a d a p t a b l e b a t h r o o m

s o l u t i o n s b ec o m es c r u c i a l M o d er n

s h o w er t o i l et s o f f er t h e f l ex i b i l i t y t o

a c c o m m o d a t e u s er s w i t h v a r y i n g

l ev el s o f m o b i l i t y a n d i n d ep en d en c e,

m a k i n g t h em a f o r w a r d -t h i n k i n g

c h o i c e f o r p u b l i c s ec t o r s p ec i f i c a t i o n s

T h e a b i l i t y t o a d j u s t s et t i n g s a n d

f u n c t i o n s t h r o u g h p r o g r a m m a b l e

p r o f i l es m ea n s t h es e s y s t em s c a n

a d a p t t o c h a n g i n g u s er n eed s w i t h o u t

r eq u i r i n g r ep l a c em en t o r s i g n i f i c a n t

m o d i f i c a t i o n – a n i m p o r t a n t

c o n s i d er a t i o n f o r l o n g -t er m p u b l i c

s ec t o r p l a n n i n g

F or l oca l a u t h or i t i es a n d h ou s i n g

a s s oci a t i on s f a ci n g t h e ch a l l en g e of

p r ov i d i n g a cces s i b l e, d i g n i f i ed , a n d

ef f i ci en t b a t h r oom f a ci l i t i es , t h e

s ol u t i on l i es i n em b r a ci n g i n n ov a t i v e

t ech n ol og y t h a t a d d r es s es m u l t i p l e

p a i n p oi n t s s i m u l t a n eou s l y W h i l e

t r a d i t i on a l a cces s i b l e b a t h r oom

s ol u t i on s m eet b a s i c r eq u i r em en t s ,

a d v a n ced s y s t em s l i k e t h e G eb er i t

A q u a C l ea n M er a C a r e r ep r es en t a m or e com p r eh en s i v e a p p r oa ch t o

a d d r es s i n g b ot h cu r r en t n eed s a n d

f u t u r e ch a l l en g es i n p u b l i c s ect or

b u i l d i n g m a n a g em en t

B y f ocu s i n g on s ol u t i on s t h a t

p r om ot e i n d ep en d en ce, r ed u ce

op er a t i on a l cos t s , a n d f u t u r e-p r oof

f a ci l i t i es , p u b l i c s ect or s p eci f i er s ca n

m a k e i n f or m ed d eci s i on s t h a t b en ef i t

b ot h u s er s a n d op er a t or s i n t h e l on g

t er m A s d em og r a p h i c p r es s u r es con t i n u e t o g r ow , s u ch f or w a r d -t h i n k i n g

a p p r oa ch es t o a cces s i b i l i t y w i l l b ecom e

i n cr ea s i n g l y v i t a l f or s u cces s f u l p u b l i c s ect or b u i l d i n g m a n a g em en t

n For more information on the full Geberit range, please visit www.rdr.link/lau018

D e s i g n B e s t

With latest housing figures showing that at least one member in 2.3 million households living with a disability or long-term illness is within the social rented sector (more than 56%), demand is high for accessible accommodation Here Stuart Reynolds, UK Marketing and Product Management Director at AKW, shows how social landlords can overcome the pain points of bathroom adaptations to meet tenant needs for accessible bathroom solutions cost-effectively, through good design.

A g r o w i n g a c c e s s i b i l i t y p r o b l e m

A ccor d i n g t o t h e E n g l i s h H ou s i n g

S u r v ey, t h e m os t com m on i s s u e f or

s oci a l r en t er s i n h ou s eh ol d s t h a t h a d

s om eon e w i t h a l on g -t er m i l l n es s or

d i s a b i l i t y w a s m ob i l i t y ( 5 6 % ) W i t h 1 8 %

of n ew l et t i n g s g i v en t o p eop l e w i t h a

d ef i n ed d i s a b i l i t y a n d a 2 1 % -1 8 %

d ecl i n e i n t h e p r op or t i on of a d a p t ed

h om es i n t h e h ou s i n g a s s oci a t i on

s ect or, t h e s i t u a t i on i s a ch a l l en g i n g

on e t o s a y t h e l ea s t f or s oci a l l a n d l or d s

a n d t en a n t s a l i k e

S o, w i t h m or e p eop l e n eed i n g

a cces s i b l e b a t h r oom s , w h a t a r e t h e

p a i n p oi n t s of a n a d a p t a t i on t h a t s oci a l

l a n d l or d s n eed t o ov er com e?

l C os t a n d f u n d i n g – M i n or

a d a p t a t i on s , s u ch a s g r a b r a i l s , a r e

r el a t i v el y s t r a i g h t f or w a r d t o f u n d ,

h ow ev er m a j or b a t h r oom

a d a p t a t i on s r eq u i r e a m ea n s t es t ed

D i s a b l ed F a ci l i t i es Gr a n t ( D F G) a n d occu p a t i on a l a s s es s m en t T h ey a l s o

n eed a n ex p er i en ced i n s t a l l t ea m t o

m i n i m i s e cos t l y d el a y s

l L a y ou t a n d s p a ce – R et r of i t t i n g a

b a t h r oom t o b e a cces s i b l e a n d f u l l y

com p l i a n t ca n b e ch a l l en g i n g w h en

d ea l i n g w i t h ou t d a t ed ex i s t i n g

d es i g n s , m a t er i a l s a n d i n f r a s t r u ct u r e

l F u t u r ep r oof i n g a n d a d a p t a b i l i t y – To

a v oi d r ep ea t ed r en ov a t i on s m or e

a n d m or e s oci a l l a n d l or d s a r e h a v i n g

t o con s i d er h ow t h ei r a d a p t a t i on s

ca n b e f u t u r e-p r oof ed

W h et h er t h e b a t h r oom n eed s m i n or or m a j or a d a p t a t i on s , g ood d es i g n

p l a y s a n i m p or t a n t p a r t i n h el p i n g

m i n i m i s e t h e p a i n p oi n t s f or s oci a l

l a n d l or d s a n d i m p r ov i n g t h e f i n a l

t en a n t ex p er i en ce I n f a ct , a ccor d i n g t o

a F ou n d a t i on s I n d ep en d en t L i v i n g Tr u s t

r ep or t , g ood d es i g n n ot on l y p l a y s a n

i m p or t a n t p a r t i n f u t u r e-p r oof i n g h ou s i n g s t ock b u t i n r ed u ci n g t h e n eed

f or f u r t h er a d a p t a t i on s : “ S om e

a s s oci a t i on s a r e u s i n g f l ex i b l e d es i g n s ,

s u ch a s i n s t a l l i n g s h ow er t r a y s u n d er

b a t h s , or f i t t i n g t h e a n ch or p oi n t s f or

g r a b r a i l s a n d s h ow er s ea t s , t o a l l ow

r a p i d con v er s i on w h en r eq u i r ed ”

I m p r o v i n g b a t h r o o m a c c e s s i b i l i t y

t h r o u g h g o o d d e s i g n

T h er e a r e t h r ee b a s i c d es i g n p r i n ci p l es

t h a t ca n h el p cr ea t e a s a f e, cos t -

ef f ect i v e b a t h r oom a d a p t a t i on t h a t w i l l

w or k f or t h e p er s on n eed i n g t h e

a cces s i b l e a d a p t a t i on a n d t h e ot h er s

t h ey s h a r e t h ei r h om e w i t h T h es e a r e:

l A d op t a b a t h r oom d es i g n t h a t

p r ov i d es p h y s i ca l s u p p or t w h er e

n eed ed b y t h e u s er

l E n s u r e t h a t t h e d es i g n a l l ow s f or

p r od u ct s t o b e p u t i n t h e m os t

l og i ca l p l a ces – f or i n s t a n ce a s h el f

t o a l l ow s h ow er g el t o b e ea s i l y

r ea ch ed i n t h e s h ow er

l P r i or i t i s e t h e m i n i m i s a t i on of cl u t t er

t o i n cr ea s e t h e u s er -f r i en d l i n es s of

t h e s p a ce a n d r ed u ce t r i p a n d f a l l

h a z a r d s

H a v i n g w or k ed w i t h occu p a t i on a l t h er a p i s t s t o cr ea t e m a n y a cces s i b l e b a t h r oom ‘ H ow t o ’ g u i d es ov er t h e y ea r s ,

w i t h v i s u a l i m p a i r m en t s u s e t w o

c o l o u r s w h er e t h e l i g h t r ef l ec t i v e v a l u e

( L R V ) d i f f er en c e b et w een b o t h c o l o u r s

i s g r ea t er t h a n 3 0 T h i s c r ea t es t h e

m o s t n o t i c ea b l e c o n t r a s t b et w een a n

o b j ec t a n d i t s s u r r o u n d i n g s G r a b r a i l s

a n d s h o w er s ea t s a r e a v a i l a b l e i n a

r a n g e o f c o l o u r s t o a i d t h o s e w i t h

v i s u a l i m p a i r m en t s A l s o r em em b er

t h a t c o l o u r c o n t r a s t i s b es t a c h i ev ed

w i t h c o n t r a s t i n g s h a d es o f t h e s a m e

c o l o u r r a t h er t h a n d i f f er en t c o l o u r s

L i g h t i n g t h e w a y - F or t h os e w i t h l ow

v i s i on , t h e a v oi d a n ce of s h a d ow s , d a r k

a r ea s a n d g l a r e a r e k ey t o s a f e

m ov em en t a r ou n d a b a t h r oom T h i n k

a b ou t h a v i n g f i t t ed L E D t a s k d ow n l i g h t s

s p eci f i c ‘ t a s k -b a s ed a r ea s ’ s u ch a s t h e

s h ow er, b a t h , s i n k or t oi l et A l s o i n cl u d e

a d d i t i on a l a m b i en t l i g h t i n g , t o m a i n t a i n

g en er a l l i g h t l ev el s t h r ou g h ou t t h e

b a t h r oom s p a ce

S h ow er i n g s u cces s – T h e con t r ol s

n eed t o b e s i m p l e t o u n d er s t a n d a n d

ea s y t o u s e – a n d i f n eed ed , t o u s e w i t h

on e h a n d op er a t i on T h er e s h ou l d a l s o

b e ob v i ou s u p a n d d ow n b u t t on s f or t em p er a t u r e a n d f l ow con t r ol L ook f or

B E A B C a r e cer t i f i ed or a p p r ov ed b y t h e

R oy a l N a t i on a l I n s t i t u t e f or t h e B l i n d

( R N I B ) s h ow er s M a x i m u m w a t er

t em p er a t u r e p r ot ect i on i s a l s o

es s en t i a l , a n d t h e s h ow er s h ou l d h a v e a

t h er m a l cu t ou t d ev i ce t o p r ot ect t h e

u n i t f r om ov er h ea t i n g

W a l l pa n el s – A l on gsi de t h e

f u n ct i on a l i t y a n d l ook of t h e spa ce, w a l l pa n el s a ch i ev e a h i gh v a l u e a ppea r a n ce

f or con si der a bl y l ess t h a n t h e cost of

t i l i n g Th e col ou r w a y s f r om A K W ’ s A l v eo

P V C a n d M a r l br ook r a n ges en a bl es a n on -cl i n i ca l f i n i sh t o be obt a i n ed Th ey

a r e a l so ea sy t o m a i n t a i n a n d ca n be

f i

n For more information on any of AKW’s best practice accessible bathroom guides visit www.rdr.link/lau019

With a wide array of online resources supporting the latest solutions – from videos to technical guides, PDFs to Podcasts – it can be a challenge to locate what you need.

To ensure you don’t miss out on these valuable resources, we are introducing rdr.link – a new, rapid service to transport you immediately to the online resources mentioned in our stories.

So, in articles you may now see things like: “To view an exclusive time-lapse video of the process use rdr.link/AA101”

Simply enter rdr.link/ with the unique 5 digit code into a browser and it will take you directly to the mentioned resource – in this case the video. Designed

help busy professionals rapidly locate more information – look out for & use rdr.link

New Wall Panels Range

AKW, one of the UK’s leading providers of accessibility solutions, has recently launched its new Alveo PVC bathroom wall panels range This new collection of high-quality wall panels gives speciﬁers and installers even more reasons to replace costly tiles with these time and money saving alternatives

The highly robust PVC panels have been designed to be quick and easy to install, without any specialist equipment

With 600mm and 1000mm width, trimmable panels that can ﬁt over any existing surface, including tiles, they provide a contemporary ﬁnish to any bathroom renovation or adaptation

With their interlocking tongue and groove edge, the Alveo PVC panels provide a seamless finish when joining two panels along a flat wall The lightweight panels are suitable for use in adaptations when installed onto a structural wall and the Alveo fixing kit allows for accessories, such as grab rails and shower seats, to be fixed in place without any indentations to the wall panels A variety of satin anodised finish profiles are also available, including End Cap, H-section, Internal Corner, External/Internal Corner and Bottom/Top, as well as a matt white finish Safety Flooring-to-Wall profile

Available in contemporary white gloss, white marble, concrete matt and dark graphite colour ﬁnishes, there is a colourway to suit any bathroom refurbishment

New downﬂow fan heater

Consort Claudgen's new DF2E downﬂow fan heater oﬀers many features, including a 7-day timer with six temperature settings daily, open window detection, a digital lock, a large LCD screen, and a reliable battery backup to keep the clock running during power outages The heater continues its heating programme after power is restored

The heater oﬀers quick warmth and a choice between 1kW or 2kW heat output during installation For safety, the DF2E has an automatic safety cut-out and will stop operating if the fan or temperature sensor malfunctions Ideal for bathrooms and kitchens

Maintaining and improving pipework

Airtightness and proper ﬁnishing work in buildings can dramatically reduce energy loss, improve indoor comfort and enhance the overall aesthetic of properties

PipeSnug and FlueSnug are sealing collars designed to meet stringent regulatory requirements These products allow builders to quickly seal pipe exits, providing an effective barrier against drafts, pests and heat loss and offering a clean and professional finish without the need for messy sealants or mortar The pipe seals are UV resistant, ensuring durability against sun damage, do not degrade over time and are not affected by cold weather, rain or snow

The products also address the critical issue of falls from height, a leading cause of severe workplace injuries and fatalities

Both PipeSnug and FlueSnug are designed to be inserted into a core-drilled hole from inside the building, snapping back into place securely without the need for external access via ladders or scaﬀolding, thereby reducing health and safety risks during installations at height When it comes to maintenance, FlueSnug can be easily removed, inspected and reinstalled entirely from the interior, a very simple and safe process

n For more details on the PipeSnug by Talon range visit www.rdr.link/lau023

New shower accessory

ShowerSpaah is a new, patented shower accessory designed to make showering more accessible and safer for individuals who can only use one hand or have any other physical disabilities preventing them from having a safe, independent shower experience

The device can be easily attached to most hand-held showers Soap is added to the water, and it can be turned on or off to rinse The one-handed operation means the showerer can always keep one hand free for balance to reduce slips and falls There are no more awkward bottles to deal with and the soap easily reaches all parts of the body without difficulty reaching ShowerSpaah can be installed in under two minutes, significantly reducing the showering effort, without sacrificing style or comfort

The accessory enhances the overall quality of life for its users and eliminates the physical strain associated with showering, simplifying one of our most fundamental daily routines

Mira Advance HeatloopTM

Developed and manufactured by Mira Showers, the new Mira Advance HeatloopTM is the first ever electric shower to be designed to work with Recoup wastewater heat recovery for shower systems (WWHRS), revolutionising waste water efficiency and reducing energy wastage This innovative new electric shower incorporates pioneering technologies to facilitate compatibility with WWHRS, a first for the UK

The installation of Mira Advance HeatloopTM in conjunction with a wastewater heat recovery unit will enable local councils and housing authorities to provide their tenants with an enhanced showering experience that also has sustainability and energy efficiency at its core

While conventional electric showers are not able to adjust to changes to elevated incoming water conditions, making them unsuitable for installation with WWHRS, the new shower features intelligent monitoring which instantly automatically adjusts power based on the incoming conditions

Safely recycling the energy from WWHRS, it adapts to fluctuations in temperature and flow, so users enjoy consistent performance and temperatures, with no sudden cold or scalding blasts

The Mira Advance HeatloopTM technology combined with a wastewater heat recovery system works particularly well in the cooler months Compensating for any winter fluctuations in flow ensures around 35% better performance in winter, compared to conventional electric showers, and a maintained performance throughout the entire year

Adver tisement index

w w w r d r l i n k / L AU 1 0 1

A i c o .................................................................... ( p a g e 1 4 )

w w w r d r l i n k / L AU 1 0 2

A K W M e d i - C a r e ( p a g e 3 9 )

w w w r d r l i n k / L AU 1 0 3

C o n s o r t E q u i p m e n t P r o d s L t d ( p a g e 4 1 )

w w w r d r l i n k / L AU 1 0 4

P r o B u i l d e r L i v e .................................................. ( p a g e 2 5 )

w w w r d r l i n k / L AU 1 0 5

R o c k w o o l U K L t d .......................................... ( p a g e 2 / I F C )

w w w r d r l i n k / L AU 1 0 6

S a m u e l H e a t h & S o n s ( p a g e 1 7 )

w w w r d r l i n k / L AU 1 0 7

S u n r a y T i m b e r F i r e D o o r s .................................. ( p a g e 1 9 )

w w w r d r l i n k / L AU 1 0 8

T a l o n M a n u f a c t u r i n g L t d ( p a g e 3 1 )

w w w r d r l i n k / L AU 1 0 9

T h e E l e c t r i c H e a t i n g C o ( p a g e 4 )

w w w r d r l i n k / L AU 1 1 0

Local Authority Building & Maintenance November/December 2024