Overcoming the key challenges for public sector refurbishment programmes
REDUCING PLASTIC IN CONSTRUCTION
Our continuing series looks at the fuelling of carbon emissions through the use of plastic in construction.
THE LEADING MAGAZINE FOR LOCAL AUTHORITY AND HOUSING ASSOCIATION SPECIFIERS
CONTENTS
REGULARS
5 Comment Building for the future
6 News
New £800m MMC framework for councils and housing associations – Net Zero
Retrofit Pilot Project in Cambridge –Scotland Excel New Build Residential Construction Framework – First council to trial new planning appeals portal
7 Roofing Insights with A Proctor Group
The latest guidance on roofing membranes
10 Industry Comment
Matthew Warburton, Policy Advisor at the Association of Retained Council Housing (ARCH) discusses reforms to the Right to Buy scheme
14 Project Update
New affordable-home development in Moreton in the Wirral
15 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
12 Overcoming the key challenges for public sector refurbishment programmes. Novus Property Solutions offer advice on the key considerations for completing refurbishment projects for public sector buildings under strict budgets and timescales
16 Leveraging technology to enhance the resident experience for repairs
How utilising innovations in technology can deliver a compliant, tenant-first experience for repairs and maintenance
19 Universal Appeal
The benefits of specifying composite doors for New-build and retrofit
22 Maximising the potential of grey belt land
Specifying ground gas membranes for grey belt land developments
24 Can PAS2035:2023 help us reach net zero?
Guidance on retrofitting varied types of social housing
26 Round-up
HEATING & VENTILATION
28 How to decarbonise local authority buildings
The role electric heating can play in achieving Net Zero targets
31 Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery systems
Exploring the benefits of using a MVHR system
36 Maintaining and improving pipework
Eradicating drafts and making good in local authority buildings and social housing
38 Round-up
40 Winter-ready with External wall insulation
Reducing heating costs for the most vulnerable using EWI
43 The first line of defence
How the use of EPDM single-ply roofing membranes can benefit school roof refurbishments
46 Effective flood water management
The role of green roofs in sustainable drainage strategies
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Labour has pledged to deliver the biggest increase in social and affordable housebuilding in a generation Such a commitment will go some way to reduce the pressure on our current housing stock, as latest figures suggest there are 1 3 million people unable to afford the home they need, and nearly 150,000 children living in temporary housing
The government plans to build 1 5m homes in this parliament However, initial government data on housebuilding indicates that we only built 153,800 homes last year – around half of the 300,000 that Labour plans to build This could mean that years three, four and five may need closer to 400,000 a year
One way to increase build figures to the required level is through a significant increase in funding for social housing Building social and affordable homes offers a sound investment for the government as a recent report commissioned by The Hyde Group suggests
The report shows that England's 4 5m social homes:
l Saves the NHS at least £19bn a year: People living in social housing have improved mental and physical health, make fewer GP and A&E visits, have fewer drug and alcohol issues, there are fewer falls for the elderly and fewer cases of asthma
l Saves local councils at least £8bn a year: Significant savings are made by keeping residents out of temporary accommodation, helping the elderly stay independent for longer, and because children living in social housing are less likely to be on the Child Protection Register
l Generates at least £35bn for the UK economy: More adults living in social housing are in work and are in work for longer because of the stability social housing provides Work absences of people living in social housing is about half that of those privately renting
l Saves the Department for Work and Pensions at least £2 4bn a year
l Saving police and justice at least £9 6bn a year: People living in social housing are less likely to be involved in, or to be, victims of crime
In a bid to support her plans, the Chancellor has pledged to make improvements to the planning system The proposed planning overhaul will reintroduce housing targets for councils and make it easier for developers to build on so-called “ grey ” parts of the green belt The government has said it is committed to preserving the green belt which has served England’s towns and cities well over many decades Without changing its purpose or general extent, the government will take a more strategic approach to greenbelt land designation and build more homes in the right places The release of lower quality ‘ grey belt’ land will be prioritised, and they will introduce ‘golden rules’ to ensure development benefits communities and nature
To “speed up ” the planning process, the government intends to recruit 300 more planners This will also go some way to address an industry wide skills shortage We have an ageing workforce downing tools and retiring from the construction industry and not being replaced by a new younger generation This could be down to a recruitment and image problem with many young people not seeing the construction sector as an attractive option
We need to engage with young people early in their education to show them that the construction industry is an exciting and constantly evolving industry that can deliver a rewarding and attractive future
The governments plans are ambitious – they represent a level of housebuilding not seen since the 1960s But with the proper engagement and collaboration of both the public and private sector at all levels, we can deliver much needed housing at the levels required
Lovell Partnerships look at the complexities of retrofit and the impact of PAS2035:2023, turn to page 24 to read more
COVER STORY:
IN BRIEF NEWS
Colleagues from Platform Housing Group took to the skies for Dementia UK
Sky high for dementia charity
Colleagues from one of the UK’s largest social landlords took to the skies recently in order to raise vital funds for the specialist dementia nursing charity Thrill seekers from Platform Housing Group took to the skies for the charity Dementia UK at the end of the August at airfields in Brackley in Northamptonshire and Nottingham
The eight colleagues who took part raised a staggering £7,456 for the charity
Dementia UK is Platform Housing Group’s corporate charity of the year for 2024
£ 8 0 0 m M M C f r a m e w o r k f o r
c o u n c i l s a n d h o u s i n g a s s o c i a t i o n s
20 traditional construction companies and two MMC firms have been appointed to a new build framework, where they will carry out principal contractor duties on offsite projects for local authorities and housing associations.
T h e I n t e g r a t e d T r a d i t i o n a l B u i l d & M M C
f r a m e w o r k h a s b e e n l a u n c h e d b y
P r o c u r e m e n t f o r H o u s i n g ( P f H ) a n d
B u i l d i n g B e t t e r , t h e N a t i o n a l H o u s i n g
F e d e r a t i o n - b a c k e d a l l i a n c e o f h o u s i n g
a s s o c i a t i o n s a n d c o u n c i l s w o r k i n g
t o g e t h e r t o b o o s t t h e u s e o f m o d e r n m e t h o d s o f c o n s t r u c t i o n ( M M C ) i n s o c i a l
h o u s i n g P f H a n d B u i l d i n g B e t t e r s e t u p
t h e f r a m
s a i d : “ T h i s
w a s a f a n t a s t i c e f f o r t f r o m o u r i n t r e p i d
t e a m o f d a r e d e v i l s a n d o n e t h a t , a s a
G r o u p , w e a r e i m m e n s e l y p r o u d o f
A s a s o c i a l h o u s i n g p r o v i d e r , w e a r e
a l w a y s l o o k i n g f o r o p p o r t u n i t i e s t o
g i v e b a c k t o o u r c o m m u n i t i e s a n d t h i s
w a s a p e r f e c t e x a m p l e T h a n k s f o r a l l
t h o s e w h o h e l p e d , s u p p o r t e d a n d
t o o k p a r t a n d f o r a l l t h o s e w h o d o n a t e d s o g e n e r o u s l y ”
The 22 building firms have been appointed across 37 different regions of England and Wales, ensuring that housing associations and local authorities can always work with contractors from their own communities
The £800m framework will run over
four years and supports social housing providers to procure principal contractor services for a range of MMC projects, including low and medium rise housing, apartments and extra care homes
The traditional construction firms appointed are: AMMCASS Group, Bugler Developments, CG Fry & Son, Classic Builders, Elkins Construction, Ermine Construction Services, Feltham Construction, Hale Group, Hill Holdings, J Harper & Sons (Leominster), Keon Homes, Langstone Construction, LIFE Build Solutions, MY Construction Group, Seddon Construction, SMD, Snowdon Homes, Wates Residential, Whitfield & Brown and Wiggett Construction
The MMC firms appointed are: Agile Property and Homes, and Enevate Homes
For further information about the Integrated Traditional Build & MMC framework, visit: www rdr link/lat001
Net Zero Retrofit Pilot Project in Cambridge
cambridge city council’s pioneering Net Zero retrofit pilot has started on site, with Axis europe delivering the project as main contractor this ambitious initiative will upgrade fifty 1930s council homes on ross Street and coldhams Grove, significantly enhancing resident wellbeing by creating comfortable and healthy homes that are affordable to heat evaluation of the project delivery and post-completion monitoring will inform the development of future upgrade works to further homes across cambridge, supporting the council’s goal to be net zero carbon by 2030 the project is particularly pioneering because the extensive upgrades will be delivered with residents remaining in their homes 50 households have volunteered to take part in the pilot, demonstrating that with the right support and information, residents will tolerate short term disruption to enjoy the long-term benefits of retrofit upgrades regular engagement with residents throughout the development, design and procurement of the project has been key to communicating the benefits and securing trust in the process
the project builds on cambridge city council’s extensive ongoing retrofit programme, which has seen hundreds of homes upgraded over the last few years with external wall insulation, triple glazed windows and new doors these upgrades deliver huge benefits to residents and significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions, but more extensive upgrades are needed to achieve net zero carbon the Net Zero retrofit pilot is exploring the technical and financial feasibility of delivering these more extensive upgrades
Roofing Insights with
Proctor Air® awarded BBA certificate
Third-party certification assesses a product’s fitness for purpose, showing it has been tested and assessed in relation to its intended use. As a 4th generation family business with a history of technical innovation and promoting good practice, A Proctor Group relies on working with certification bodies like the BBA to bring new ideas to the market
Obtaining a BBA certificate for Proctor Air
Voluntary certification acts as a kind of shorthand for justifying a product selection, while setting the manufacturer apart from competitors who choose not to obtain certification
A proctor Group enjoyed a collaborative relationship with the bbA while getting proctor Air certified monthly meetings with the designated bbA project manager ensured both parties could update each other on progress and maintain ongoing dialogue regarding testing schedules and product sample needs
With a bbA certificate for proctor Air, specifiers and installers have that all-important verification from an independent thirdparty that the membrane performs as claimed
How does Proctor Air perform?
proctor Air is a roofing membrane designed for the future It simplifies pitched roof constructions, being both air and vapour permeable Its water holdout performance and wind uplift resistance ensure it can cope with more frequent extreme weather driven by climate change
the bbA certificate confirms proctor Air has an Sd value of 0 015m and a vapour resistance of 0 075mNs/g, making it one of the highest performing vapour-permeable membranes on the market And its air permeability means proctor Air provides a more uniform flow of air to the roof space than normal vents
A unique feature within proctor Air’s bbA certificate is the clarification that it can be used on roofs featuring solar pV, as long as appropriate consideration is made to the requirement of a ventilated batten/ counter batten space this recommendation is in line with current requirements for tightly-jointed slates, tiles and metal sheet, all of which may also normally be considered air impermeable and therefore the addition of a ventilated batten/counter batten, above the proctor Air, is required, as per bS 5250
IN BRIEF NEWS
Sixteen historic World War 2 bungalows modernised and brought back into use Birmingham City Council has refurbished and preserved sixteen historic Phoenix prefabricated homes dating back to World War 2, bringing them back into use for social housing
The Wake Green bungalows are the largest concentration of Phoenix prefabricated homes in the country and home to residents of all ages, including several families The bungalows were built in the 1940s as part of the post-war housing programme and were awarded grade II-listed status in 1998 The refurbishments have modernised the houses, making them greener, safer, and warmer homes for people to live in The council's partner, regeneration and energy expert Equans, has delivered a complex restoration programme, which included the installation of new damp-proof concrete floors, replacing drainage systems and plumbing, stabilising the foundations, improving insulation, heating and electrical systems, refurbishing existing windows, and fully landscaping the front and rear gardens
F l a g s h i p n e w b u i l d c o n t r a c t i s
l a u n c h e d a t i n n o v a t i v e
c o n s t r u c t i o n e v e n t
Scotland Excel launched its £1 5bn New Build Residential Construction Framework at its first ever Estates Management Expo recently.
Carr & Morag Angus
h e n e w b u i l d f r a m e w o r k t e n d e r
p r o c e s s h a s c o n c l u d e d - a d d i n g t h a t
t h e 1 8 s u c c e s s f u l c o n t r a c t o r s a r e
S c o t t i s h - b e f o r e h a n d i n g o v e r t o t h e
k e y n o t e s p e a k e r , M o r a g A n g u s ,
S c o t t i s h G o v e r n m e n t ’ s H e a d o f
P r o p e r t y a n d C o n s t r u c t i o n
The event’s conference focused on the construction journey themes of design, build, maintain and improve, and looked at what the future may hold for the built environment
T h e E x p o ’ s e x h i b i t i o n z o n e
Hugh
Barnet becomes first council to trial new planning appeals portal
Barnet Council has become the first local authority in the country to trial a new system designed to streamline the planning appeals process.
the planning Inspectorate has chosen the council to pilot the new Householder Appeals System, a digital platform that will make the process simpler, accessible and more user-friendly It will replace the outdated Appeals casework portal, which is maintenance-heavy, fails to meet current Government Digital Service or accessibility standards, and has some areas that have been identified as difficult to use or confusing
the new portal provides a more user-friendly interface allowing local planning authorities, appellants and agents to manage multiple appeals, submit documentation and view other parties’ submissions
It also benefits from clearer guidance and simplified, automated communications to keep all parties informed throughout the process Developed in-house by the planning Inspectorate, the system has been based on extensive user research with members of the public and a range of local authority representatives
As well as benefiting residents, it will also reduce planning officers’ workloads In barnet, the planning department receives approximately 300 to 400 appeals every year
Following the initial trial, the planning Inspectorate will carefully analyse feedback and data to ensure the service meets all requirements before gradually expanding the pilot to include more local planning authorities Full, section 78 planning appeals are expected to be added to the new system between January and march
Putting flame retardant claims to the test
Fire testing was critical to the development of Protect FrameSafe FR - a Class A2-s1, d0 flame retardant external wall breather membrane launched by Glidevale Protect earlier this year. As head of technical at Glidevale Protect, Jim Smith was tasked with coordinating in-house and third-party product testing - he explains what this entailed and what the results mean for specifiers.
As specified in bS eN 135011:2018, protect FrameSafe Fr was independently tested against two industry recognised methods the first (bS eN ISO 1716:2018) assesses the amount of energy released when a material is completely combusted within a bomb calorimeter, and the second (bS eN 13823:2020+A1:2022) assesses how a material behaves when exposed to thermal attack by a single burning item the single burning item test simulates a fire starting in the corner of a room with the material under test exposed to the development stage of a fire and monitored for a period of 20 minutes this measures how a material reacts to a sustained heat source, including total heat release during the period, combustion gases generated, level of smoke produced and any flame spread or flaming droplets
Our new external wall breather membrane, protect FrameSafe Fr achieved a class A2-s1, d0 reaction to fire classification As a class A2 material, it is deemed noncombustible so will not significantly contribute to the development of a fire the s1 rating means there was little to no smoke generated during the test and the d0 rating shows that it did not produce any burning droplets
the same bS eN 13823 test was carried out on protect FrameSafe Fr not only as free-hanging material but also mechanically fixed to a substrate comprising a class A1 rock fibre insulation substrate and separately with a low-density class A2 fire board the same class A2 rating was achieved both free hanging and as part of system with protect Fr sealing tape meaning it can be installed with any class A2 substrate without compromising its fire rating this gives specifiers peace of mind that protect FrameSafe Fr will perform as well in the real world, whether on low, medium or high-rise buildings, as under controlled test conditions in a laboratory
F o r a f a i r e r r i g h t t o b u y
M a t t h e w Wa r b u r t o n , P o l i c y A d v i s o r a t t h e A s s o c i a t i o n o f
R e t a i n e d C o u n c i l H o u s i n g ( A R C H ) d i s c u s s e s re f o r m s t o
t h e R i g h t t o B u y s c h e m e
Id l y c h a n n e l - h o p p i n g o n m y T V t h e
o t h e r m o r n i n g I d i s c o v e r e d J e r e m y
V i n e c l a i m i n g t h a t A n g e l a R a y n e r
h a d p l e d g e d t o s c r a p c o u n c i l
t e n a n t s ’ R i g h t t o B u y a n d i n v i t i n g
v i e w e r s t o c o m m e n t P r e d i c t a b l y
c o n t r i b u t i o n s f o c u s e d o n R a y n e r ’ s h y p o c r i s y , h a v i n g h e r s e l f b e n e f i t e d
f r o m t h e p o l i c y , a n d n e v e r s t r a y e d
b e y o n d a r g u m e n t s f o r a n d a g a i n s t t h e
p r i n c i p l e t h a t t e n a n t s s h o u l d h a v e a
r i g h t t o b u y t h e i r h o m e T h i s t y p e o f
s l o p p y o r d i s h o n e s t j o u r n a l i s m i s
f r u s t r a t i n g b e c a u s e , o f c o u r s e , t h e n e w
L a b o u r G o v e r n m e n t – r i g h t l y o r
w r o n g l y - d o e s n o t p l a n t o s c r a p t h e
R i g h t t o B
r i g h t t o b u y , b u t h o w t o b a l a n c e t h a t
r i g h t w i t h t h e w i
It is one thing to argue that council tenants should enjoy a right to buy: quite another to justify the right to buy at a substantial discount on the market price of their home When the policy was introduced in the 1980s, the argument was that buyers should be compensated for the rent they had paid
while they were tenants by a discount on the market value But current eligibility and discount rules give many buyers a discount far in excess of any rent they have paid
“ a n e s t i ma t e d 4 0 %
o f s o l d c o u n c i l h o m e s a re l e t … . ”
construction costs, so receipts can fall well short of the cost of replacing them
r a n d t h e r i s e o f t h e b u y - t o - l e t
l a n d l o r d T h e R i g h t t o B u y w a s o r i g i n a l l y j u s t i f i e d b y i t s s u p p o r t e r s a s a r i g h t f o r t e n a n t s t o o w n – a n d b y i m p l i c a t i o n , o c c u p y – t h e i r o w n h o m e
But councils also need protection to prevent the loss of newly built council homes, whether or not funded from sales receipts, within a few years of their construction. Current rules prevent them being sold for less than their cost of construction but take no account of the price of the land on which they stand, nor of inflation in
N o t e v e n i t s m o s t a r d e n t a d v o c a t e s
c l a i m e d t h a t t e n a n t s s h o u l d e n j o y t h e r i g h t t o b e c o m e o r s e l l t h e i r h o m e s a t a p r o f i t t o p r i v a t e l a n d l o r d s B u t n o w a n e s t i m a t e d 4 0 % o f s o l d c o u n c i l h o m e s a r e l e t , m o s t a t r e n t s w h i c h a r e f a r i n e x c e s s o f t h o s e p a i d b y t h e c o u n c i l t e n a n t s w h o c o u l d f o r m e r l y h a v e e x p e c t e d t o l i v e i n t h e m T h e
G o v e r n m e n t ’ s p r o m i s e d r e v i e w n e e d s t o l o o k c l o s e l y a t t h e f e a s i b i l i t y o f c o v e n a n t s r e s t r i c t i n g t h e r e s a l e o f s o l d h o m e s t o b u y e r s i n t e n d i n g t o o w n a n d o c c u p y t h e m p e r s o n a l l y www.arch-housing.org.uk
Here, Lee Spencer, Head of Operations at leading specialist contractor Novus Property Solutions discusses the key considerations for completing refurbishment projects for public sector buildings under strict budgets and timescales, and ensuring there is minimal disruption to service users.
O v e r c o m i n g t h e k e y c h a l l e n g e s f o r p u b l i c s e c t o r
r e f u r b i s h m e n t p r o g r a m m e s
Loca l a u t h or i t i es a n d ot h er
g ov er n m en t b od i es a r e
r es p on s i b l e f or en s u r i n g t h a t
p u b l i c b u i l d i n g s n ot on l y m eet
t h e l a t es t h ea l t h a n d s a f et y r eg u l a t i on s ,
b u t a l s o p r ov i d e a com f or t a b l e en v i r on m en t f or u s er s
On g oi n g m a i n t en a n ce a n d
r ef u r b i s h m en t p r oj ect s p l a y a k ey r ol e
i n m eet i n g t h es e s t a n d a r d s b u t w h en i t com es t o p u b l i c b u i l d i n g s , i n cl u d i n g a cr os s t h e h ea l t h ca r e a n d ed u ca t i on s ect or s , t h er e a r e a s er i es of s p eci f i c ch a l l en g es t o con s i d er Of cou r s e,
b u d g et s a r e a v i t a l com p on en t of a n y p u b l i c s ect or r ef u r b i s h m en t p r oj ect , b u t ot h er f a ct or s – s u ch a s s t r i ct t i m es ca l es
a n d l i v e en v i r on m en t s – of t en m ea n
t h es e p r og r a m m es a r e com p l ex
B u d g e t c o n s i d e r a t i o n s
R ef u r b i s h m en t s ch em es ca n b e
ch a l l en g i n g f or l oca l a u t h or i t i es
op er a t i n g u n d er b u d g et con s t r a i n t s ,
m ea n i n g t h a t m a x i m i s i n g t h e m on ey
a l l oca t ed t o a p r oj ect i s es s en t i a l
Tu r n k ey r ef u r b i s h m en t s a r e t h e i d ea l
w a y t o t r a n s f or m a s p a ce w i t h i n a t i g h t
b u d g et S p eci a l i s t con t r a ct or s a r e a b l e
t o d r a w on t h ei r k n ow l ed g e a n d
ex p er i en ce t o of f er l oca l a u t h or i t i es
i n n ov a t i v e a n d a f f or d a b l e s ol u t i on s ,
w h i l e a l s o of f er i n g a n en d -t o-en d
r ef u r b i s h m en t t h a t i n cl u d es f u l l y f i t t ed ,
eq u i p p ed a n d d ecor a t ed s p a ces t h a t
a r e r ea d y t o u s e
Speci al i st con t r act or s l i ke N ov u s ar e exper i en ced i n car r y i n g ou t r ef u r bi sh m en t pr oj ect s acr oss t h e com m er ci al sect or an d t h i s exper t i se can pr ov e h i gh l y ben ef i ci al f or t h e pu bl i c sect or Th i s i n cl u des bal an ci n g t h e del i v er y of h i gh -qu al i t y spaces w i t h bu dget r est r i ct i on s, an d appl y i n g t h e t ech n i qu es u sed t o m eet t h ese r equ i r em en t s t o pu bl i c sect or pr oj ect s m axi m i ses v al u e f or m on ey
“Tu r n key r e f u r b i s h m e n t s
a r e t h e i d e a l wa y t o
t ra n s fo r m a s p a c e w i t h i n a
t i g h t b u d g e t ”
W or k i n g w i t h a s p eci a l i s t con t r a ct or
f or a s i n g l e s ou r ce s ol u t i on of f er s a
m or e b u d g et -f r i en d l y a l t er n a t i v e t o
u s i n g d i f f er en t con t r a ct or s f or d i f f er en t
el em en t s of a r ef u r b i s h m en t , w i t h a l l
a s p ect s of t h e p r og r a m m e b u i l t i n t o t h e
cos t f or f u l l t r a n s p a r en cy W h a t ’ s m or e,
con t r a ct or s of f er i n g a com p l et e t u r n k ey
s ol u t i on w i l l a l s o w or k w i t h a n
es t a b l i s h ed s u p p l y ch a i n f or a l l a s p ect s
of t h e r ef u r b i s h m en t t o en s u r e a l l
m a t er i a l s a r e s ou r ced a t t h e b es t
p os s i b l e p r i ce
T i m e c o n s i d e r a t i o n s
A cces s t o a n es t a b l i s h ed s u p p l y ch a i n i s a l s o h u g el y b en ef i ci a l f or a n ot h er
ch a l l en g e of t en f a ced i n p u b l i c s ect or
s ch em es : t i m e – or l a ck t h er eof
S ch ool s , h os p i t a l s a n d ot h er p u b l i c
b u i l d i n g s of t en r eq u i r e a n y w or k t o
com p l et ed w i t h i n a m i n i m a l t i m ef r a m e
i n or d er t o r ed u ce d i s r u p t i on a s w el l a s
r ea p t h e b en ef i t s of a n u p g r a d ed s p a ce
a s s oon a s p os s i b l e, a n d a n es t a b l i s h ed
s u p p l y ch a i n p l a y s a k ey r ol e i n
a v oi d i n g d el a y s
T h i s i s v i t a l f or p r oj ect s a cr os s t h e
h ea l t h ca r e a n d ed u ca t i on s ect or s ,
w h er e d el a y s t o a cces s i n g a
r ef u r b i s h ed s p a ce ca n h a v e a d i r ect
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s a f e w a s t e r em ov a l , a n d r ed u ci n g d u s t a n d d eb r i s
B ey on d i n f ect i on con t r ol , ex per i en ced con t r a ct or s w i l l col l a bor a t e w i t h st a k eh ol der s f or a t a i l or ed a ppr oa ch t o m i n i m i si n g di sr u pt i on t o ser v i ce u ser s a s w el l a s st a f f , t h a t com bi n es k n ow l edge of com pl et i n g r ef u r bi sh m en t s w i t h u n der st a n di n g of t h e bu i l di n g f or t h e m ost ef f ect i v e st r a t egy
Col l a bor a t i n g w i t h a speci a l i st con t r a ct or of f er s a si n gl e sou r ce sol u t i on f or l oca l a u t h or i t i es l ook i n g t o u pgr a de pu bl i c sect or bu i l di n gs Th ese of t en com pl ex r ef u r bi sh m en t pr oj ect s ben ef i t f r om t h e ex per i en ce of k n ow l edgea bl e con t r a ct or s w i t h a st r on g su ppl y ch a i n , en su r i n g pr oj ect s a r e com pl et ed on t i m e, on bu dget a n d w i t h m i n i m a l di sr u pt i on t o ser v i ce u ser s
n For more information, please visit www rdr link/lat003
LOVELL BREAKS GROUND AT AFFORDABLE HOMES SCHEME IN THE WIRRAL
WORK is underway at a new 66-affordable-home development in Moreton in the Wirral, by national housebuilder Lovell Partnerships, working in partnership with North West housing association Onward Homes for the first time
Planning permission was granted in March for the project, which involves the redevelopment of the former Foxfield School site off Douglas Drive The site is one of six areas designated for housing development in Moreton and Woodchurch under Wirral Council’s Emerging Local Plan
Over the next two years, Lovell will deliver a mix of terraced and semi-detached two and two-and-a-half storey affordable homes, with two-, three-, and fourbedrooms A variety of tenures including shared ownership, affordable rent and Rentto-Buy will be available through Onward Tahreen Shad, regional partnerships director at Lovell, said: “We are pleased to have started work so soon after receiving a planning decision The site has been vacant for some time, after the school relocated in 2015 and the old site was demolished in
2018, so this project will really give the area a new lease of life
“This project also builds on our 15-yearlong partnership with Wirral Council, helping to unlock important sites such as this one to provide much-needed affordable homes The plans include a range of sustainable design measures such as high-performing insulation and low-energy fittings We are also keen to prioritise a vibrant and cohesive green environment for residents ”
Funding for the project has been delivered through Onward’s Strategic Partnership with Homes England, which will support the housing association to build 5,000 new homes by 2030
Sandy Livingstone, Executive Director (property) at Onward, said: “We are excited to begin our latest affordable development in the Wirral, and to be partnering with
Lovell for the first time
“The development provides much needed homes that are affordable for our customers in the Wirral As well as providing more quality, choice and affordability for those who rent, these new homes will also help more people take their first steps on the local property ladder, through our affordable home ownership tenures ”
This scheme follows the completion of Lovell’s multi-million-pound regeneration of the former Fiveways estate in Rockferry, delivering 283 homes in partnership with Wirral Council and Riverside, with the final handover taking place in December 2023
It also builds on the success of Lovell’s Fountain Court development in Tranmere, consisting of 75 homes; a Market Housing Renewal site delivered in collaboration with Wirral Council
Sandy Livingstone, Executive Director (property) at Onward Homes, and Tahreen Shad, Regional Partnerships Director at Lovell
REDUCING PLASTIC IN CONSTRUCTION
in association with
Why Changing Streams and Plastic in Construction? - The CS Community
Architects and contractors will be familiar with the concepts of operational and embodied carbon. However, in the drive to net zero we also need to think about the amount of plastic that is used in construction and the materials specified and the link between plastic and carbon
Emphasis so far has been towards materials such as concrete and steel which constitute the main tonnage used in construction
Although much lighter, plastic is also used in many forms in construction, including fundamental structural items (windows and doors), infrastructure (cabling and piping), paint and fillers, fittings and insulation The construction industry uses around 20% of the 400 million tonnes of plastic produced globally every year
Fuelling of carbon emissions through plastic
Approximately 4% of extracted fossil fuel is used as raw material and 4% as fuel in primary production of plastic polymers With trends to greener energy for transport and heating, fossil fuel directed to plastic
“The constr uction industr y uses around 20% of the 400 million tonnes of plastic produced globally ever y year”
manufacture is predicted to increase by 5 5 million barrels per day from 2020 levels by 2040 Additional materials and energy are needed to produce approximately 16,000 additives used to convert raw polymer for final applications
From recycling to incineration
Plastics used in buildings in the 1970s are now entering the waste stream, and those installed now will enter the waste stream at some point in the next 40 years Construction plastics such as PVC have significantly less recycling potential than the more ubiquitous packaging plastics, due partly to the increased complexity of the process needed and inadequacy of necessary infrastructure for recovery and sorting A positive note is that approximately 40% of mechanically recycled plastic from all sources (including packaging) is reused in the construction industry in items such as street furniture, sheds and even for road building Ultimately however, construction plastic mostly goes either to landfill or into incineration or pyrolysis with final production of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere Recycling is merely kicking this can down the road
Increasing health concerns
Current LCAs do not take into consideration any environmental or health concerns from the accumulation of plastic and associated toxic chemicals in the environment; this is likely to become of increasing concern as
more evidence becomes available
At Changing Streams, we believe that reduction of plastic is an essential part of the journey to net zero carbon We recognise that there are applications where the properties of plastic are undoubtedly invaluable to our modern lifestyles For these, strategies are needed to redesign essential plastic to make it safer, minimise the amounts used or wasted and to facilitate more efficient recycling For other components, there are opportunities for architects and designers to play a proactive part in reducing the amount of plastic used and considering sustainable alternatives The team at Changing Streams is uniquely positioned to provide specific support to the construction industry, for example developing a new database to help architects to identify these sustainable Changing Materials choices
We are also creating a community of business, innovators, and research experts The CS downloadable app allows members to communicate directly with one another in private messages and groups, as well as providing access to a library of resources that can be used to inform their own plastic reduction efforts
In addition, the Changing Streams Research Centre at the University of Liverpool is working in partnership with a network of industry leaders to co-develop research and knowledge exchange activities that have a real impact on the way we design, regulate, build, maintain and demolish the buildings that surround us
n Find out more at https://www.changingstreams.org/ memberships/
HOUSING & REGENERATION
The UK housing sector is utilising innovations in technology to deliver a compliant, tenant-first experience for repairs and maintenance. Rebecca Sandhu, Director of Customer Excellence at Plentific assesses.
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Owen Jones, technical director at Distinction Doors explores the benefits of specifying composite doors
Universal Appeal
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p op p i n g u p a cr os s t h e cou n t r y a n d
ex i s t i n g h ou s i n g s t ock s u b j ect t o a
con s t a n t p r og r a m m e of R M I w or k s , t h e
em p h a s i s i s on p r od u ct s w h i ch d el i v er
v a l u a b l e r et u r n on i n v es t m en t a n d of f er
a n i m p r ov ed s t a n d a r d of l i v i n g
C om p os i t e d oor s a r e on e s u ch p r od u ct
T h es e d oor s m eet a n d , i n s om e
ca s es , exceed m od er n ex p ect a t i on s t o
s a t i s f y ev en t h e m os t d em a n d i n g of
cu s t om er s , b e i t l a n d l or d or t en a n t
A p p r eci a t ed f or t h ei r a b u n d a n t
b en ef i t s – s ecu r i t y, l ow m a i n t en a n ce,
p r od u ct ch oi ce et c - n ow a d a y s
com p os i t e d oor s a r e m os t r ev er ed f or
t h ei r t h er m a l p er f or m a n ce
W a r m e r h o m e s
Ov er t i m e, com posi t e door s ca n r edu ce h ou seh ol d h ea t i n g bi l l s by boost i n g
i n su l a t i on l ev el s a n d r edu ci n g dr a u gh t s
a n d col d spot s, a n d h el p t o cr ea t e a w a r m er, m or e w el com i n g h om e Th ey w i l l
a l so su ppor t dev el oper s i n a ch i ev i n g
ca r bon r edu ct i on t a r get s a n d go som e w a y t o r edu ci n g en v i r on m en t a l i m pa ct
T h e r m a l p e r f o r m a n c e
To u n d er s t a n d w h a t t h er m a l
p er f or m a n ce a com p os i t e en t r a n ce d oor ca n a ch i ev e s p eci f i er s a n d b u y er s m u s t con s i d er t h e U -v a l u e a n d D oor s et
E n er g y R a t i n g ( D S E R ) , w h en ca l cu l a t ed
f or t h e com p l et e d oor s et n ot j u s t t h e d oor b l a n k or g l a s s
To com p l y w i t h t h e l a t es t r eg u l a t i on s , en t r a n ce d oor s u s ed i n r ef u r b i s h m en t
s ch em es , w h i ch a ccou n t f or m os t d oor
s a l es i n t h e U K , m u s t n ow a ch i ev e
1 4 W / m 2 K U -v a l u e or D oor s et E n er g y
R a t i n g ( D S E R ) B
A C om p os i t e d oor i s d es i g n ed t o m a x i m i s e t h er m a l p er f or m a n ce T h e
t h i ck d oor s k i n i s com b i n ed w i t h a h i g h
i n s u l a t i n g f oa m cor e f or excep t i on a l
t h er m a l i n s u l a t i on w h i l e com p r es s i on
s t r i p s a n d b r u s h es cr ea t e a s ea l w i t h t h e
d oor f r a m e w h en t h e d oor i s cl os ed
R o b u s t s u r f a c e f i n i s h
Of cou r s e, t o a ch i ev e op t i m u m
p er f or m a n ce t h e d oor s m u s t b e w el l
m a i n t a i n ed W i t h r es t r i ct ed b u d g et s
a n d r es ou r ces , h ou s i n g p r ov i d er s
a p p r eci a t e t h e l ow m a i n t en a n ce
b en ef i t s of com p os i t e d oor s , p a r t i cu l a r l y
t h e n o-p a i n t s u r f a ce f i n i s h
T h e ‘ s k i n ’ of a com p os i t e d oor ca n b e
m a n u f a ct u r ed f r om GR P ( g l a s s
r ei n f or ced p ol y es t er ) , A B S , s t eel , a n d
P V C , a m on g s t ot h er m a t er i a l s
U su a l l y w h i t e a s st a n da r d, t h ey ca n be
pa i n t ed u n der f a ct or y con di t i on s Th i s pr odu ces a r obu st a n d a t t r a ct i v e su r f a ce
f i n i sh I t a l so m ea n s t h a t t h e door does n ot n eed t o be r epa i n t ed or v a r n i sh ed t o st a y l ook i n g good a n d r et a i n i t s w ea t h er r esi st a n t pr oper t i es I n f a ct , a D i st i n ct i on door sh ou l d n ot be r epa i n t ed or
“housing provider s a ppreciate the low maintenance benefits of composite door s”
v a r n i sh ed i n or der t o pr ot ect t h e su r f a ce
w a r r a n t y M ost com posi t e door s si m pl y n eed a r egu l a r w i pe dow n F or t h i s t h e
on u s i s on t h e t en a n t t o com pl et e t h e
si m pl e cl ea n i n g r egi m e n ot t i m e-poor, bu dget -con st r a i n ed m a i n t en a n ce t ea m s
L o w m a i n t e n a n c e
I t i s v er y ea s y t o k eep a com p os i t e d oor
l ook i n g i t s b es t W e r ecom m en d
cl ea n i n g ou r d oor s r eg u l a r l y u s i n g on l y
w a r m s oa p y w a t er ( w a s h i n g u p l i q u i d i s
i d ea l ) a n d a s of t l i n t -f r ee cl ot h T h i s
k eep s t h e d oor l ook i n g g r ea t , p r ol on g s
t h e l i f e of t h e s u r f a ce f i n i s h , a n d
p r ot ect s t h e w a r r a n t y T h os e l i v i n g n ea r
t h e coa s t , i n a h ea v i l y i n d u s t r i a l i s ed
a r ea , or n ea r a m a i n r oa d m a y n eed t o
cl ea n t h e d oor m or e f r eq u en t l y
S c r a t c h es , s c u f f s a n d m i n o r
d a m a g e t o t h e p a i n t ed s u r f a c e a r e
i n ev i t a b l e d u r i n g t h e i n s t a l l a t i o n a n d
l i f ec y c l e o f t h e d o o r a n d t o r em ed y
t h i s , t o u c h - u p p en s a r e o f t en a v a i l a b l e
t o p u r c h a s e t h r o u g h t h e d o o r
s u p p l i er ’ s f a b r i c a t o r n et w o r k
S t o c k d o o r s
S om et i m es a d oor m a y n eed t o b e
r ep l a ced or r ep a i r ed q u i ck l y On t h es e
occa s i on s , h ou s i n g p r ov i d er s ca n
a r r a n g e f or t h ei r s u p p l i er t o h ol d
r ep l a cem en t d oor s i n s t ock T h es e ca n
b e ca l l ed of f w h en n eces s a r y a n d
i n s t a l l ed w i t h t h e m i n i m u m of f u s s
At a t i m e w h en soci al h ou si n g pr ov i der s m u st addr ess f u t u r e-pr oof i n g, i m pr ov e l i v i n g st an dar ds, r edu ce en v i r on m en t al i m pact , an d of f er af f or dabi l i t y, al l w i t h i n r est r i ct ed bu dget s, com posi t e door s del i v er t h e f u n dam en t al s an d exceed t en an t ex pect at i on s
n Distinction Doors is the UK’s largest supplier of GRP composite doors. For more information visit www.rdr.link/lat005
Ho w c a n w e s a f e l y
m a x i m i s e t h e p o t e n t i a l
o f g r e y b e l t l a n d ?
Housebuilding figures for the start of 2024 show the scale of the challenge facing the new gover nment if it is to meet its target of 1 5 million new homes by 2029 Among the proposals put forward by the gover nment is to make use of so-called ‘grey belt’ land. As Bruce Manning, Housebuilding and Ground Gas Manager at A.Proctor Group explains, if such sites are to be developed successfully then specifications will need to incorporate the right products to protect against potential site conditions.
In t h e f i r s t q u a r t er of 2 0 2 4 , t h e U K
s a w j u s t u n d er 4 0, 0 0 0 n ew h om es
com p l et ed T h e f i g u r e m a r k s a 1 7 %
r ed u ct i on com p a r ed t o t h e y ea r
b ef or e a n d t h e l ow es t q u a r t er l y d el i v er y
s i n ce t h e s t a r t of 2 0 1 6 I f a s i m i l a r r a t e
i s b or n e ou t a cr os s t h e w h ol e y ea r, t h e
t ot a l n u m b er of h om es w ou l d b e j u s t
h a l f of w h a t b ot h t h e p r ev i ou s a n d n ew g ov er n m en t s s et ou t t o a ch i ev e
H o w c o u l d g r e y b e l t l a n d h e l p ?
Ch a n ges t o t h e pl a n n i n g sy st em pr oposed by t h e n ew gov er n m en t i n cl u de f r eei n g u p pr ev i ou sl y dev el oped
l a n d i n t h e gr een bel t f or r edev el opm en t
S u ch s i t es a r e t ech n i ca l l y b r ow n f i el d
s i t es , or “ l a n d t h a t i s , or w a s p r ev i ou s l y, occu p i ed b y a p er m a n en t s t r u ct u r e, ” a s d ef i n ed b y H om es E n g l a n d
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a u t h or i t i es cou l d b e g i v en t h e g o a h ea d
t o d es i g n a t e s om e g r een b el t l a n d a s
g r ey b el t i n s t ea d W h i l e t h e d eci s i on on
w h a t i s r ed es i g n a t ed w i l l b e l ef t u p t o
t h em , t h e g ov er n m en t ’ s d ef i n i t i on
i n cl u d es “ l a n d on t h e ed g e of ex i s t i n g
s et t l em en t s or r oa d s , a s w el l a s ol d
p et r ol s t a t i on s a n d ca r p a r k s ”
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n ot ex i s t , b eca u s e n on e h a s b een
d es i g n a t ed y et On e es t a t e a g en t ’ s
a n a l y s i s s u g g es t s a r ou n d 1 1 , 0 0 0
p ot en t i a l s i t es ex i s t T h es e s i t es
a ccou n t f or l es s t h a n 1 % of cu r r en t
g r een b el t l a n d , b u t cou l d
s u p p or t t h e d ev el op m en t
of b et w een 1 0 0, 0 0 0 a n d
2 0 0, 0 0 0 n ew h om es
W h a t a r e t h e
p o t e n t i a l r i s k s w i t h
b r o w n f i e l d s i t e s ?
W h er e d ev el op m en t i s
p r op os ed f or l a n d t h a t h a s
p r ev i ou s l y b een b u i l t on ,
t h er e i s t h e p ot en t i a l f or
con t a m i n a t i on T h i s i s t h e
ca s e f or a l l b r ow n f i el d
s i t es , w h et h er l oca t ed i n
t h e g r een b el t or
ot h er w i s e C on t a m i n a t ed
s i t es ca n p r es en t r i s k s ,
b u t t h a t d oes n ’ t
n eces s a r i l y m ea n
r em ed i a t i on i s r eq u i r ed a s
i t d ep en d s on t h e l a n d u s e
a n d t h e t y p e( s ) of
con t a m i n a t i on p r es en t
T h e m os t com m on
g r ou n d g a s t h a t ca n
p r es en t a r i s k i s on e t h a t
h a s n ot h i n g t o d o w i t h
p r ev i ou s u s es of t h e s i t e R a d on i s
r a d i oa ct i v e, col ou r l es s a n d od ou r l es s I t
occu r s n a t u r a l l y d u e t o u r a n i u m d eca y
i n t h e g r ou n d
L ev el s a r e u s u a l l y l ow , b u t con cen t r a t i on s a r e h i g h er i n cer t a i n
g r ou n d t y p es , es p eci a l l y g r a n i t e A n y
l a n d d es i g n a t ed f or r ed ev el op m en t i n
a r ea s of g r a n i t e w i l l n eed t o i n cl u d e
a p p r op r i a t e m ea s u r es a s a n d w h en h ou s i n g p r op os a l s a r e d r a w n u p
W h er e con t am i n at i on i s a f act or, t w o si gn i f i can t gr ou n d gases ar e car bon di ox i de an d m et h an e Car bon di ox i de i s
t ox i c, odou r l ess an d col ou r l ess I t i s f or m ed by t h e ox i dat i on of car bon com pou n ds, su ch as t h ose occu r r i n g i n l an df i l l si t es M et h an e i s al so odou r l ess, as w el l as f l am m abl e – an d pot en t i al l y ex pl osi v e I t i s f or m ed w h er e t h er e i s bel ow -gr ou n d degr adat i on of or gan i c su bst an ces, su ch as i n l an df i l l si t es, sew age t r eat m en t ar eas, m i n i n g oper at i on s an d peat bogs
I f f or m er p et r ol s t a t i on s a n d ca r p a r k s a r e t o be con s i der ed f or r edev el op m en t , t h en v ol a t i l e or ga n i c com p ou n ds ( V OC s ) cou l d be a f a ct or t oo V OC s ca n be f ou n d i n t h e gr ou n d a s s ol i ds , i n l i q u i d a n d di s s ol v ed s t a t es , a n d a s ga ses Ty pi ca l V OCs en cou n t er ed on br ow n f i el d a n d i n du st r i a l si t es i n cl u de: pet r ol eu m h y dr oca r bon s, h a l ogen a t ed h y dr oca r bon s ( e g , pr odu ct s f r om dr y -cl ea n i n g f l u i ds or degr ea ser s) , n i t r ogen , su l ph u r a n d ox y gen -con t a i n i n g or ga n i c com pou n ds T e c h n i c a l s u p p o r t f o r b u i l d i n g o n
p r e v i o u s l y - d e v e l o p e d l a n d
I n or d er t o a s s es s t h e n eed f or a g r ou n d
g a s m em b r a n e, i t ’ s n eces s a r y t o k n ow
t h e t y p e of g a s es p r es en t on t h e s i t e
a n d t h ei r con cen t r a t i on s A s i t e
i n v es t i g a t i on or g r ou n d g a s m on i t or i n g s h ou l d b e ca r r i ed ou t , w h i ch ca n b e
u s ed a s t h e b a s i s f or d es i g n i n g a n
a p p r op r i a t e s ol u t i on
T h e A P r oct or Gr ou p h a s of f er ed
s ol u t i on s t o t h e g r ou n d g a s m a r k et
s i n ce 1 9 9 0 T h ey h a v e a r a n g e of
s ol u t i on s f or b r ow n f i el d s i t es i n cl u d i n g
P r ot ech R a d on 4 0 0 ( f or r a d on
p r ot ect i on ) , P r ot ech GM S u p er ( f or
ca r b on d i ox i d e a n d m et h a n e) , a n d
P r ot ech V OC F l ex ( f or s i t es w i t h V OC s )
Ou r t ech n i ca l s u p p or t of f er i n g
i n cl u d es r ev i ew i n g s i t e i n v es t i g a t i on
a n d g a s m on i t or i n g r es u l t s , a n d
a d v i s i n g on r ou t es t o com p l i a n ce W e
ca n d et er m i n e t h e l ev el of r i s k i n
a ccor d a n ce w i t h B R E R ep or t B R 2 1 1 f or
r a d on or B S 8 4 8 5 f or ca r b on d i ox i d e
a n d m et h a n e, a n d s u p p l y i n s t a l l a t i on
i n s t r u ct i on s a ccor d i n g l y
n For more information on specifying and using the A.Proctor Group’s full range of membranes and vents please visit : www.rdr.link/lat006
Carl Yale, Regional Refurbishments Director at Lovell, recognises the huge progress made over the past few years and believes that while PAS2035:2023 quality standards are undoubtedly important, retrofit will never be a straightforward process. Here he discusses why these challenges should be considered to reach an effective solution.
R e t r o f i t a n d s o c i a l h o u s i n g : C a n
PA S 2 0 3 5 : 2 0 2 3 h e l p u s r e a c h n e t z e r o ?
T h e r a c e t o n e t z e r o
T h e U K h a s s om e of t h e ol d es t a n d
m os t en er g y i n ef f i ci en t h ou s i n g s t ock
i n E u r op e, w i t h u p t o 4 0 % of U K h om es
b u i l t b ef or e 1 9 4 6 T h er e i s a l s o a
ch r on i c s oci a l h ou s i n g s h or t a g e, a n d
m a n y h om es a r e n o l on g er f i t f or
p u r p os e w h en w e con s i d er n et z er o
t a r g et s To m eet t h es e t a r g et s , w e
n eed t o b e r et r of i t t i n g a t s ca l e a n d a
h u g e ef f or t i s n eed ed H ow ev er, t h i s i s a com p l i ca t ed , t i m e-con s u m i n g t a s k , a n d t h e n eed s of b ot h t en a n t s a n d
s oci a l h ou s i n g p r ov i d er s n eed t o b e con s i d er ed i f t h e p r oces s i s t o w or k
F ol l ow i n g a s t a n d a r d i s ed p r oces s i s on e w a y t o a d d r es s t h e com p l i ca t i on s
t h a t ca n a r i s e w i t h r et r of i t a n d t o
en s u r e t h e r es u l t i s of a h i g h q u a l i t y B y
i m p l em en t i n g t h e cor r ect s t ep s a t t h e cor r ect t i m e m i s t a k es a n d r eg r et s a r e
l i m i t ed i n w h a t ca n b e a l en g t h y, i n t r i ca t e exer ci s e
H o w P A S c a n h e l p
PA S w as i n t r odu ced by t h e B r i t i sh
St an dar d I n st i t u t i on t o en su r e t h e qu al i t y of
r et r of i t w or k i s
com pl i an t an d t h at each st ep of t h e
pr ocess i s f ol l ow ed at
t h e r i gh t t i m e, w i t h t h e
PA S203 5 : 2023
f l ow ch ar t t o be
f ol l ow ed
A coor d i n a t or i s
a p p oi n t ed t o en s u r e
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s t ep of t h e p r oces s ,
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a s s es s m en t , t ech n i ca l s u r v ey s , a n d t h e
cr ea t i on of a b es p ok e r et r of i t p l a n , w h i ch t a k es i n t o con s i d er a t i on t h e
i n d i v i d u a l n eed s of t h e p r op er t y
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l i m i t s r i s k H ow ev er, w e k n ow t h a t i n
r ea l i t y i s s u es ca n a r i s e, a n d i t i s n ot
a l w a y s a s ea s y a s f ol l ow i n g a s t ep -b y -
s t ep f l ow ch a r t , p a r t i cu l a r l y w h en m u l t i p l e p a r t i es a r e i n v ol v ed
T h er e i s s t i l l a l a ck of r et r of i t
k n ow l ed g e a cr os s t h e i n d u s t r y, w h i ch
p os es a n i n i t i a l p r ob l em , a s s om e
s t a k eh ol d er s m a y n ot u n d er s t a n d t h e a i m s , r i s k s or b en ef i t s of t h e m ea s u r es
b ei n g i m p l em en t ed W h en u n d er t a k i n g
a r et r of i t p r oj ect u s i n g PA S 2 0 3 5 : 2 0 2 3
t h e m ed i u m a n d l on g -t er m i m p l i ca t i on s
a l s o n eed t o b e con s i d er ed , a n d a l l m ea s u r es n eed t o b e a g r eed a n d
u n d er s t ood a h ea d of t i m e T h i s ca n
b ef or e t h e r et r of i t w or k ca n ev en b eg i n
P r ocu r em en t r eq u i r es a n i n -d ep t h s t ock
a n a l y s i s a n d t h or ou g h a s s es s m en t of
t h e m a t er i a l s a n d s u p p l i es n eed ed I f
q u a l i t y i s com p r om i s ed on a s i n g l e s t ep
of t h e p r oces s , t h e en t i r e p r oj ect ca n
f a l l a p a r t , a n d f u n d i n g ca n b e l os t
E n g a g i n g w i t h r es i d en t s a n d
en s u r i n g t h a t t h ey ‘ b u y -i n ’ t h r o u g h o u t
t h e p r o c es s i s v i t a l C o n t i n u a l s u r v ey s
a n d a s s es s m en t s b ei n g c a r r i ed o u t i n
t h e h o m e c a n l ea d t o ‘ s u r v ey f a t i g u e ’
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o u t o f t h e s c h em e, m ea n i n g s u b s t i t u t e
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b eg i n a g a i n
D ev el opi n g st r on g pa r t n er sh i ps w i t h
soci a l h ou si n g pr ov i der s i s a n ot h er
cr u ci a l el em en t f or t h ose r et r of i t t i n g
pr oper t i es t o con si der w h en ov er com i n g
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t ea m , f or ex a m pl e, h a s bu i l t a st r on g
r el a t i on sh i p w i t h D a r l ey H ou se, a
si gn i f i ca n t soci a l h ou si n g r et r of i t a n d
deca r bon i sa t i on pr oj ect i n Sa n dw el l I t
i n cl u ded t h e i n st a l l a t i on
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W h i l s t PA S 2 0 3 5 : 2 0 2 3 i s a g r ea t
s t a r t i n g p o i n t , t h er e i s s t i l l w o r k t o b e
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t o g u a r a n t ee c o m p l et e c o m p l i a n c e T h e i n f l ex i b i l i t y of PA S 2 0 3 5 : 2 0 2 3
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ch a n g es of p l a n s t h a t ca n p u t s ch em es
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on g oi n g i s s u e f or t h e i n d u s t r y, b u t
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i s a p os i t i v e s t ep f or w a r d
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f u l l ov er s i g h t of t h e s om et i m escom p l i ca t ed PA S 2 0 3 5 : 2 0 2 3 p r oces s
S p eci a l i s t PA S 2 0 3 0 : 2 0 1 9 cer t i f i ed
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z er o t a r g et s
n For more information please visit: www rdr link/lat007
HOUSING & REGENERATION ROUND UP
Marshalls launches first new brick range incorporating carbon sequestration technology
Marshalls Bricks and Masonry has unveiled a new range of concrete facing bricks, which have been manufactured using innovative carbon sequestration technology to lock in waste CO2 The Glenwall range incorporates cuttingedge CarbonCure technologies, a ground-breaking process employed at the Marshalls site in Grove, Wales This technology injects waste CO2 directly into the concrete mix during production, with no negative impact on the performance or durability of the brick As a result, the CO2 becomes mineralised and permanently locked into the brick for millennia, preventing its release into the atmosphere, even upon demolition It is estimated that the use of CarbonCure at the Grove site will remove approximately 30,000kg of CO2 annually The range introduces a rusticated texture, adding depth and character to architectural designs while offering unparalleled sustainability It is available in four traditional colours, each meticulously crafted to blend seamlessly with various architectural styles and preferences
n For more information on the Glenwall range from Marshalls please visit www.rdr.link/lat008
Ideal Standard and Armitage Shanks introduce the new Conceala 3 range
Leading bathroom manufacturer Ideal Standard and Armitage Shanks has added to its family of concealed cisterns, flush plates, and buttons, with its new entry-level Conceala 3 range Perfect for residential settings, the in-wall cisterns are available in top, side, and bottom water supply inlet variants Conceala 3 is capable of using both pneumatic and syphon lever flush activations, and there’s also a cable-operated model on offer, fitting seamlessly into bathroom furniture units The variety of models gives installers and developers installation flexibility for projects of all kinds
Delayed fill inlet valves are standard across all models, stopping water waste during the flushing process and further decreasing environmental impact
New Saniwall Pro Up Style with stylish panels Saniflo has introduced an additional model to the Saniwall Pro Up line-up; taking the range to three core products featuring glass, tiles and now wall panels The Saniwall Pro Up Style offers a choice of two modern panels in grey concrete or Carrera marble patterns which are designed to match all bathroom colours and styles Simple and lightweight to install, the highly durable panels not only look great, but are very practical and easy to clean They are manufactured from a polyethylene core and two aluminium layers which creates the perfect blend of flexibility and strength No preparation is required prior to installation and the panels are 100% waterproof Panels offer excellent access to the frame and macerator for maintenance and servicing The Saniwall Pro Up Style is a concealed unit that enables a stylish focal point in a bathroom/shower room where gravity fed plumbing is either not possible or is too difficult or expensive The unique frame system of the Saniwall accommodates all types of wall-hung WCs and uses Grohe cistern technology The unit is available with extended warranties of up to five years
new Domestic Lock Off Kit
Martindale Electric has announced the launch of the ‘LOKKITDOM’ Domestic Lock Off Kit This comprehensive kit is designed to simplify and enhance safety procedures for electricians, engineers and installers, ensuring compliance with safe isolation practices in line with Electricity at Work regulations The LOKKITDOM kit provides all the necessary tools for safe isolation, helping those working around electricity to prevent accidental energisation while working on electrical installations
The Kit includes several essential tools that make the process of locking off circuits safe, secure and simple
Conceala 3 offers an ideal behind-the-wall solution for commercial and residential projects where sustainability and water reduction are a priority The range fully supports building accreditation for BREEAM and is compliant with all UK water regulations
Martindale Electric unveils
When it comes to Net Zero, the winds of change are upon us, but we still face an uphill battle with public buildings
With no statutory targets and obstacles remaining, total decarbonisation by 2050 could prove difficult. Here, Scott Conor, Founder, and Chief Technical Officer at Trust Electric Heating delves into the challenges we face ahead of public sector decarbonisation
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N e w - b u i l d c o m p l e x i t i e s
N ew b u i l d i n g s a r e b ei n g b u i l t w i t h a
f a b r i c f i r s t a p p r oa ch a n d en er g y
ef f i ci en cy i n m i n d M od er n con s t r u ct i on
t ech n i q u es l i k e i n s u l a t ed con cr et e
f or m s ( I C F s ) a n d h i g h -p er f or m a n ce
“ t h e d e c a r b o n i s a t i o n
o f l o c a l a u t h o r i t y
b u i l d i n g s i s p a ra m o u n t ”
w i n d ow s a r e b ei n g u s ed t o i m p r ov e en er g y p er f or m a n ce S p eci f i er s a r e a l s o
i n cor p or a t i n g r en ew a b l e en er g y
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b u i l d i n g a u t om a t i on t ech n ol og i es t o
of f s et en er g y con s u m p t i on
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s i g n i f i ca n t b a r r i er s t o r ea ch i n g t h e f u l l
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i n cl u d i n g l eg i s l a t i on a r ou n d s p eci f y i n g
n ew t ech n ol og i es
W h i l e t h e S A P ( St a n d a r d A s s es s m en t
P r oced u r e) a n d R d S A P ( R ed u ced D a t a
St a n d a r d A s s es s m en t P r oced u r e) a r e
p r i m a r i l y f ocu s ed on t h e en er g y
p er f or m a n ce of r es i d en t i a l b u i l d i n g s ,
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r eg u l a t or y f r a m ew or k s
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( E P C ) , m u ch l i k e r es i d en t i a l s p a ces I n
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of t en m i s l ea d i n g
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i n d u s t r y a d v a n cem en t s A s a r es u l t ,
m a n y n ew t ech n ol og i es a r e n ot b ei n g
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i n n ov a t i v e com p a n i es s t r u g g l e t o k eep
u p w i t h i n d u s t r y d om i n a t or s
T h e s p i r a l l i n g p r i c i n g s t r u c t u r e
A n ot h er ch a l l en g e t o con s i d er i s t h e
s p i r a l l i n g cos t of el ect r i ci t y T h i s h a s
b een a r ea l p oi n t of con t en t i on i n
r ecen t y ea r s , a n d s a d l y, t h e g r a n t s
p r ov i d ed b y t h e g ov er n m en t d o n ot
m i t i g a t e t h e f a ct t h a t el ect r i ci t y i s s t i l l
s i g n i f i ca n t l y m or e ex p en s i v e t h a n g a s
W i t h l oca l a u t h or i t i es r es t r i ct ed b y
b u d g et , t h i s p l a ces f u r t h er f i n a n ci a l
b a r r i er s on t h e r oa d t o N et Z er o
I b el i ev e t h a t w e n eed t o i n t r od u ce
m or e b a l a n ced en er g y p r i ci n g f or l oca l
a u t h or i t i es t o u s e g r a n t s ef f ect i v el y
E l ect r i c h ea t i n g a n d s m a r t
t ech n ol og i es , w h en com b i n ed w i t h
en er g y s t or a g e, ca n s i g n i f i ca n t l y r ed u ce
“the legislation used in public buildings does not always ca pture the full complexity of energy usage in different settings . ”
en er g y ex p en s es a n d l ow er ov er a l l
cos t s t h r ou g h r ed u ced t a r i f f r a t es a n d
t u r n -d ow n of f er s f r om el ect r i ci t y
p r ov i d er s , b u t i t ca n n ot d o t h i s w i t h ou t
t h e en er g y p r i ce s h i f t
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w i t h t h e U n i v er s i t y of L eed s , w e s a w
en er g y con s u m p t i on a n d s u b s eq u en t
cos t s r ed u ce b y 5 0 % b y i n s t a l l i n g a
b es p ok e s m a r t el ect r i c h ea t i n g s ol u t i on
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u n i v er s i t y h a v e t h e p ot en t i a l t o r ea ch
ov er £ 3 1 m , w h i ch i l l u s t r a t es t h e
p ot en t i a l of el ect r i c h ea t i n g s y s t em s i n
m a n a g i n g en er g y con s u m p t i on a n d
a i d i n g d eca r b on i s a t i on
L o o k i n g a h e a d
W h i l e g r ea t p r og r es s i s b ei n g m a d e,
t h er e i s s t i l l a l on g w a y t o g o W e m u s t
u n d er s t a n d t h e com p l ex i t i es of en er g y
con s u m p t i on a n d w or k t og et h er t o
a d d r es s t h e ch a l l en g es
To en s u r e g ov er n m en t g r a n t s g o
f u r t h er i n d eca r b on i s i n g l oca l a u t h or i t y
b u i l d i n g s , w e n eed b a l a n ced en er g y
p r i ci n g a n d u p d a t ed cer t i f i ca t i on
p r oces s es Ou t d a t ed t ech n ol og i es a n d
i m b a l a n ced en er g y s ou r ces m a k e i t
d i f f i cu l t f or d eci s i on -m a k er s t o m a k e
s u s t a i n a b l e ch oi ces i n p u b l i c b u i l d i n g s
n For more information on Trust Electric Heating please visit www.rdr.link/lat012
5 reasons you should be using MVHR systems
The Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery (MVHR) UK market is predicted to grow annually by over 10% between now and 20301. Here, Paul Williams, Domus Ventilation Product Manager, explores how this predicted growth is being driven by increased awareness about the benefits of MVHR
MVHR systems take a whole house approach to ventilation, combing supply and extract ventilation in one system They extract the stale air from wet rooms (kitchens, bathrooms, utility spaces) within a property via ducting, transferring the heat from that air to the fresh air being drawn into the building via a heat exchanger Domus Ventilation’s HRXE MVHR range recovers heat with up to 95% efficiency, making it highly effective The filtered, pre-warmed air is then distributed around the home MVHR systems are a modern response to modern building practices With properties becoming more airtight and energy efficient, it’s vital that good ventilation is designed into properties at the outset Opening a window or two isn’t going to deliver indoor air that is healthy to breath and comfortable to live in
1. Health
In the UK, we spend 80-90% of our time indoors The air that we breath indoors is therefore just as important as the air we breathe outdoors, yet indoor air pollution can be up to five times higher Sources of indoor air pollution are widespread, but include cooking, cleaning products, furniture and outdoor emissions entering our homes Then, of course, you have condensation and, in worst case scenarios, mould to contend with in the winter months
Poor indoor air quality has been linked to an increased risk of respiratory and cardiovascular illness, cognitive impairment and certain cancers England’s Chief Medical Officers Annual Report 2022 Air Pollution stated: “A better understanding of how we can prevent and reduce indoor air pollution should now be a priority” It also noted “The role of
ventilation is central to reducing unavoidable indoor air pollution ” MVHR systems are the most effective ventilation method for our homes as they both extract stale air and supply filtered ‘fresh’ air to key rooms, such as bedrooms
2. Comfort
Breathing in poor quality air is not only unhealthy, but also unpleasant As stale air is usually the result of a buildup of chemicals (especially VOCs) and humidity, our homes feel ‘stuffy’ and can have an unpleasant smell Ironically, using an air freshener to combat this simply adds to the chemical concoction MVHR systems are continuously on, removing that stale, humid air and its undesirable odours Furthermore, during colder months they take the chill out of the supply air by passing it through a heat exchanger where
Heating & Ventilation
the outgoing air’s energy is extracted and transferred in the summer months, a 100% thermal bypass automatically activates when the air temperature reaches a pre-set level, allowing in cooler, fresh, filtered air without warming it through the heat exchanger
3. Energy efficiency
By reusing the outgoing air’s heat to temper the incoming air, MVHR systems help reduce the home’s heating load the Centre for Sustainable energy estimates heating costs can be reduced by around 25% Whilst MVHR running costs are dependent
on the property size, building fabric, occupant lifestyle etc , they are inexpensive to run to ensure maximum energy efficiency is gained from an MVHR system though, it’s important to correctly size the unit, use good quality ducting designed to work as part of that system (Domus Ventilation ducting has been third party tested for end-to-end system performance), and correctly installed and commissioned
4 Structural integrity
Whilst VoCs are unlikely to impact a building’s structure, persistent damp and mould can if not dealt with, trapped condensation can lead to timber decay and can have a detrimental effect on insulation More often though, it leads to mould growth on surfaces of walls and furniture Removing large areas of mould is not easy and can be costly, especially when redecorating is required and furniture has to be replaced What’s more, as the source of the mould hasn’t been addressed, it’s very likely it will return MVHR systems not only remove pollutants from homes, but also the humidity, reducing levels of condensation and preventing mould from forming
5. Building Regulations
Changes to Building Regulations
‘approved Document F, Volume 1: Dwellings’ (aDF1) came into effect on 15th June 2022 across all sizes of properties, minimum ventilation rates were increased in the case of larger properties with five bedrooms, the minimum ventilation rate went from 29 to 43l/s to achieve these new ventilation rates, mechanical ventilation systems such as MVHRs are the most proficient option
these five points all provide a powerful argument for including MVHR systems into your new residential developments
PAS 2035 is the British Standard for retrofitting dwellings and outlines how retrofit projects should be managed and delivered. Here, Lee MantonGeneral Manager at R W Simon Ltd, discusses the link between ensuring that ventilation standards are met and the improvements to the living environment for occupants.
PA S 2 0 3 5 i s t h e k ey d ocu m en t
i n a f r a m ew or k of s t a n d a r d s on
h ow t o con d u ct ef f ect i v e
en er g y r et r of i t s of ex i s t i n g
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d w el l i n g s f or r et r of i t , i d en t i f y
i m p r ov em en t op t i on s , d es i g n a n d
s p eci f y E n er g y E f f i ci en cy M ea s u r es a n d
m on i t or r et r of i t p r oj ect s
T h e s t a n d a r d d r i v es t h e ' w h ol e
h ou s e a p p r oa ch ' i n cl u d i n g t h e ' f a b r i c
f i r s t ' m et h od ol og y I t d ef i n es t h e
q u a l i f i ca t i on s a n d r es p on s i b i l i t i es of
i n d i v i d u a l r et r of i t r ol es a n d r es p ect i v e
a ct i v i t i es r eq u i r ed p r i or t o a n d p os t
E n er g y E f f i ci en cy M ea s u r es i n s t a l l a t i on
K e y r e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s
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i m p or t a n ce of m on i t or i n g & m a i n t a i n i n g
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n R.W. Simon are one of the UK’s leading background ventilation providers with an array of through frame, overframe or overglass ventilation solutions along with the largest acoustic product range in the UK. For more information, please visit www.rdr.link/lat111
Howard TrotterBusiness Manager of Shelforce, Birmingham City Council
M a i n t a i n i n g a n d i m p r o v i n g p i p e w o r k
Dean Heathfield, Commercial Director at Talon, explains how pipe seals and collars play a pivotal role in eradicating drafts and making good in local authority buildings and social housing.
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S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 4 L A B M I 3 7
New domestic air to air heat pump and hot water tank released
Daikin has recently launched its Multi+ system which combines the best of Air to Air heat pump with a domestic hot water tank as well as air purification in one energy-saving system The Multi+ system uses state-of-the-art technology to create a comfortable home all year round, whilst ensuring a plentiful supply of hot water The system can be programmed to meet the individual user ’ s needs for heating, cooling and hot water The system also features a weather-dependent setting, where the water temperature is determined automatically by the external temperature If the outdoor temperature drops or rises, the unit compensates instantly without requiring user adjustment Where space cooling and hot water are required at the same time, the electric booster heater ensures that the water is at the right temperature Space heating and hot water heating can be set to operate simultaneously Depending on the priority setting, demand for hot water or heating / cooling will be met for maximum comfort Daikin’s proven heat pump technology, also ensures that Multi + runs economically, keeping running costs down
Domus Ventilation Expands Energy
Efficient Axial
Fan Range
Expanded Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery Range
Panasonic Heating & Cooling Solutions has announced the expansion of its Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) range The range extension introduces new units for its Z, H and V series, offering higher airflow options for different environments The Z range, known for its universal mounting Horizontal or Vertical compact units, now includes new 20 and 25 models, in addition to the existing 10 size The two new models boast a compact design which allows them to provide air flow rates up to 320m³/h, matching previous larger model capabilities The H range, designed for horizontal mounting, and the V range, designed for vertical mounting, have both been extended to include a new 50 model, adding to the existing 40 size The new 50 model increases both the H and V range ’ s capabilities by reaching an air flow rate of up to 455 m³/h These new additions significantly increase the airflow capacity of the line up available The units are ideal for single-family homes or apartments with low energy requirements
UK ventilation manufacturer Domus Ventilation has added new models to its intermittent axial fan range: the DBF100 100mm (4”) fan and the DKF150 150mm (6”) fan Both fan types are available in versions with timer control, and combined humidistat and timer control which identifies and reacts to a significant change in humidity The DBF100 is also available with a pull cord control The new Domus Ventilation axial fans have been designed for high performance and energy efficiency The DKF150 provides extract volume rates up to 48 8 l/s, with the smaller DBF100 operating up to 18 6 l/s, ensuring compliance with Building Regulations Part F Ventilation Even with these high extraction rates, the new fans operate with a low Specific Fan Power (SFP), down to 0 38W/l/s, saving energy and reducing operating costs They are also quiet in operation, down to 34dB(A) The new axial fans are compact so readily fit into small spaces They come with easyto-follow installation instructions and flexible mounting options, and compatible ducting kits are available to order
Grant UK’s new air-to-water heat pump range, the Aerona 290, is now available to order The Aerona 290 combines sleek aesthetics with high performance and clever design, providing a low carbon heating solution for the next generation Initially available with 4kW, 6 5kW and 9kW units, with larger outputs of 12kW and 15 5kW coming in early 2025, the Aerona 290 monobloc heat pump has been developed upon three core pillars – design, performance and peace of mind Using the energy efficient R290 refrigerant with its incredibly low Global Warming Potential of 3, it provides an even more environmentally friendly heat pump solution The models have an energy rating of A+++ (at 35°C flow temperature) and their outputs have been rated at -5°C air temperature and 55°C water flow temperature, delivering exceptional performance levels The units can be monitored and managed remotely, giving both installers and their customers ultimate control of their heat pump system and assisting offsite diagnostic support when required
Aerona 290 heat pump
New CPD on heat networks
GF Building Flow Solutions (formerly Uponor) has launched a new CIBSE accredited CPD: ‘Minimise the heat and energy losses of heat networks’, developed for building services engineers looking to broaden their knowledge The hour long, face-to-face session looks at the importance of community and district heating networks, the relevant legislation, and advises how to optimise their performance through the use of efficient, pre-insulated pipe systems The comprehensive CPD will cover the types of heat networks, their role in reaching net zero, the relevant codes of practice and offer valuable insight into the funding available The CPD will go on to look at system structures for sustainable heating and cooling, from outside to inside the building, the main issues to consider when it comes to system design and the benefits of pre-insulated pipework
n To register interest and book the new CPD, visit www rdr link/lat018
Envirovent introduces innovations to market leading infinity filterless extractor fan
EnviroVent has upgraded its Filterless Infinity Extractor fan with an exciting new Datalogger function, plus variable speed control and a market-leading eight-year warranty, as standard The new Datalogger innovation will help social landlords to be able to better monitor fans in residents’ homes, their running conditions, energy usage and operational life, as well as allowing them to identify any potential issues It also allows social landlords to view the time the unit has spent in trickle, boost and increased humidity modes, as well as monitor the amount of energy used Data can be viewed from the past 30 days or 12 months, to enable social housing providers to make short or long-term comparisons The Datalogger is now standard within EnviroVent’s Filterless Infinity fan and will be covered under its market-leading eight-year extended warranty This means the fan is covered for any disrepair or product failure issues within that period It also provides clarity on the running costs and energy usage associated with the fan
n To find out more about how EnviroVent works in partnership with social housing providers to solve condensation, damp and mould issues, visit www.rdr.link/lat019
W i n t e r- r e a d y w i t h E W I
Exter nal wall insulation (EWI) is an effective method of improving the thermal performance of public housing stock. Here, Matthew Woodhams, Technical Specification Manager at Baumit, looks at how this helps to reduce heating costs for the most vulnerable
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a t h i r d of t h e h ea t p r od u ced b y a
cen t r a l h ea t i n g s y s t em b ei n g l os t
t h r ou g h t h e w a l l s a n d t h e r oof T h e E ST
g oes on t o s a y t h a t i n s t a l l i n g a n
ex t er n a l w a l l i n s u l a t i on s y s t em ca n
r ed u ce t h i s b y u p t o 4 0 % i n s om e ca s es
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b en ef i t s r es i d en t s b u t a l s o con t r i b u t es
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en v i r on m en
t a l l y f r i en d l y f u t u r e T h i s
ca n b e s i g n i f i ca n t f or h ou s i n g p r ov i d er s
l ook i n g t o d el i v er on t h ei r cl i m a t e
com m i t m en t s T h i s a l s o m a k es
p r op er t i es w i t h E W I a n a t t r a ct i v e op t i on
f or r es i d en t s t h a t a r e i n cr ea s i n g l y
m a k i n g ch oi ces on w h er e t o l i v e b a s ed
on s u s t a i n a b i l i t y cr ed en t i a l s
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s ou n d p r oof i n g i n h om es I t d oes t h i s b y
r ed u ci n g n oi s e t r a n s m i s s i on f r om
ou t s i d e s ou r ces , s u ch a s t r a f f i c or n ei g h b ou r i n g p r op er t i es T h i s i s p a r t i cu l a r l y b en ef i ci a l i n u r b a n a r ea s w h er e ex t er n a l n oi s e ca n d i s r u p t t h e p ea ce a n d q u i et of h om es
B r e a t h a b l e b u i l d i n g s W h en con s i d er i n g ex t er n a l w a l l i n s u l a t i on , i t i s b en ef i ci a l t o ch oos e a
b r ea t h a b l e s y s t em T h i s a l l ow s
m oi s t u r e t o es ca p e f r om t h e b u i l d i n g ' s
f a b r i c, p r ev en t i n g i s s u es w i t h i n t er s t i t i a l con d en s a t i on w i t h i n t h e w a l l
“A d d i n g E W I c a n d e l i ve r
s i g n i fi c a n t fi n a n c i a l s a v i n g s
fo r t e n a n t s ”
s t r u ct u r e, w h i ch l ea d s t o d a m p n es s ,
m ou l d , a n d s t r u ct u r a l d a m a g e
B r ea t h a b i l i t y i s p a r t i cu l a r l y i m p or t a n t
f or b u i l d i n g s con s t r u ct ed w i t h s ol i d
w a l l s , a s n on -b r ea t h a b l e i n s u l a t i on
m a t er i a l s ca n i n h i b i t t h e es ca p e of
m oi s t u r e a n d com p r om i s e t h e
s t r u ct u r a l i n t eg r i t y of t h e p r op er t y
B r ea t h a bl e EW I sy st em s a r e desi gn ed
t o m a i n t a i n a t em per a t u r e a cr oss t h e
en t i r et y of t h e i n su l a t i on sy st em t h a t i s
h i gh er t h a n t h e dew poi n t t em per a t u r e
of w a t er v a pou r Th i s h el ps t o pr ev en t
con den sa t i on a n d en su r es t h a t w a l l s
r em a i n w a r m en ou gh t o a v oi d m oi st u r e-
r el a t ed i ssu es
W h en s el ect i n g ex t er n a l w a l l i n s u l a t i on , i t i s t h er ef or e w or t h
con s i d er i n g n a t u r a l a n d b r ea t h a b l e
i n s u l a t i on m a t er i a l s , s u ch a s w ood
f i b r e T h es e b r ea t h a b l e m a t er i a l s h a v e
t h e a b i l i t y t o h ol d s i g n i f i ca n t a m ou n t s
of w a t er v a p ou r w i t h ou t com p r om i s i n g
t h ei r t h er m a l ca p a b i l i t i es or s t r u ct u r a l
i n t eg r i t y T h ey g r a d u a l l y r el ea s e a n y
s t or ed m oi s t u r e a s ex t er n a l
t em p er a t u r es i m p r ov e, cr ea t i n g a d r y
a n d h ea l t h y i n t er n a l en v i r on m en t
A l t er n a t i v el y, w e h a v e dev el oped a
br ea t h a bl e EP S ex t er n a l w a l l i n su l a t i on boa r d f ea t u r i n g ou r Open
A i r t ech n ol ogy
Th i s en su r es h i gh v a pou r per m ea bi l i t y, en a bl i n g i t t o be r el ea sed ex t er n a l l y,
cr ea t i n g a h i gh l y br ea t h a bl e i n su l a t i on
sy st em w i t h a l l t h e i n st a l l a t i on a dv a n t a ges of st a n da r d EP S boa r ds
E W I i n s t a l l a t i o n a n d c o m p a t i b i l i t y
B ef or e i n s t a l l i n g ex t er n a l w a l l
i n s u l a t i on , i t i s es s en t i a l t o con s i d er t h e com pat i bi l i t y of t h e ch osen sy st em w i t h
t h e ex i st i n g w al l st r u ct u r e D i f f er en t
sy st em s m ay h av e speci f i c r equ i r em en t s
i n t er m s of f i x i n g m et h ods, su r f ace
pr epar at i on , an d com pat i bi l i t y w i t h ot h er
bu i l di n g com pon en t s Con su l t i n g w i t h
t ech n i cal ex per t s can h el p det er m i n e t h e
m ost su i t abl e sy st em f or each pr oj ect
an d en su r e a su ccessf u l i n st al l at i on
T h e a es t h et i c f i n i s h of t h e ex t er n a l
w a l l i n s u l a t i on s y s t em i s a l s o a n
i m p or t a n t con s i d er a t i on L i m e-b a s ed
r en d er s , k n ow n f or t h ei r n a t u r a l a n d
eco-f r i en d l y p r op er t i es , a r e of t en
r ecom m en d ed t o en h a n ce t h e v i s u a l
a p p ea l of t h e b u i l d i n g w h i l e p r ov i d i n g
b r ea t h a b i l i t y
E x t er n a l w a l l i n s u l a t i on i s i d ea l f or
b ot h r en ov a t i on a n d n ew con s t r u ct i on
p r oj ect s I n r en ov a t i on p r oj ect s , E W I
ca n t u r n ol d er h om es w i t h p oor t h er m a l
p er f or m a n ce i n t o en er g y -ef f i ci en t
d w el l i n g s , r ed u ci n g f u el p ov er t y a n d
p r om ot i n g h ea l t h i er l i v i n g con d i t i on s
F or n ew b u i l d s , E W I of f er s a ch a n ce t o
i n t eg r a t e en er g y ef f i ci en cy m ea s u r es
f r om t h e s t a r t , cr ea t i n g s u s t a i n a b l e a n d com f or t a b l e h om es
W i n t e r - r e a d y
F or l oca l a u t h or i t y h ou s i n g s p eci f i er s ,
t h e b en ef i t s of E W I a r e cl ea r I t ’ s a
s ol u t i on t h a t n ot on l y en h a n ces t h e
l i v i n g con d i t i on s of r es i d en t s b u t a l s o
con t r i b u t es t o b r oa d er en v i r on m en t a l
a n d econ om i c g oa l s I n t h e con t ex t of
g r ow i n g en v i r on m en t a l con cer n s , E W I
con t r i b u t es t o s u s t a i n a b i l i t y g oa l s b y
r ed u ci n g t h e ca r b on f oot p r i n t of
b u i l d i n g s T h e r ed u ced n eed f or h ea t i n g
a n d cool i n g l ow er s g r een h ou s e g a s
em i s s i on s , a l i g n i n g w i t h l oca l a n d
n a t i on a l s u s t a i n a b i l i t y t a r g et s
n For more information on Baumit EWI, visit: www.rdr.link/lat020
Carl Bailey, Regional Technical Manager for Elevate UK & Ireland, explains how EPDM single-ply roofing membranes can benefit school refurbishments and construction.
L e s s o n s i n S i n g l e - P l y
R o o f i n g M e m b r a n e s
As t h e f i r s t l i n e of d ef en ce, t h e
r oof of a s ch ool b u i l d i n g m u s t
b e a s r es i l i en t a s p os s i b l e –
a n d s p eci f y i n g a n a p p r op r i a t e
w a t er p r oof i n g m em b r a n e i s a cr u ci a l
p a r t of t h e p r oces s T h e cor r ect
w a t er p r oof i n g ca n a l s o g en er a t e t i m e
a n d cos t ef f i ci en ci es f or t h os e
r es p on s i b l e f or s ch ool b u i l d i n g s a n d
con t r i b u t e t o t h e b u i l d i n g ’ s en v i r on m en t a l cr ed en t i a l s
D r i v i n g e f f i c i e n c y
M a de of sy n t h et i c r u bber, EP D M i s a
si n gl e-pl y r oof i n g m em br a n e t h a t ca n be
u sed f or f l a t a n d l ow sl ope r oof s a n d
i n st a l l ed di r ect l y on t o m ost su bst r a t es
Ver sa t i l e, du r a bl e a n d ea sy t o i n st a l l ,
EP D M en su r es a qu i ck a n d cost -ef f ect i v e
sol u t i on t h a t ca n l a st f or deca des
M a n u f a ct u r ed i n l a r g e s h eet s u p t o
1 5 2 5 m w i d e x 6 1 m l on g , h u g e r oof
a r ea s ca n b e cov er ed q u i ck l y b y a n i n s t a l l er T h e s i z e of t h e s h eet s a l s o
m ea n s f ew er s ea m s a r e r eq u i r ed t o j oi n
t h em t og et h er, f u r t h er i n cr ea s i n g on -
s i t e p r od u ct i v i t y a n d m i n i m i s i n g
d i s r u p t i on f or s ch ool en v i r on m en t s
A n E P D M m em b r a n e ca n b e f u l l y
a d h er ed , m ech a n i ca l l y f i xed , or
b a l l a s t ed T h e i n s t a l l a t i on m et h od w i l l
l a r g el y d ep en d on t h e r oof s i z e a s w el l
a s t h e p r a ct i ca l i t y a n d com p a t i b i l i t y
w i t h t h e s u p p or t i n g el em en t s of t h e
r oof con s t r u ct i on
F or s ch ool b u i l d i n g s , w h i ch a r e
con s t r u ct ed ov er a v a r i et y of d eck
t y p es , a n d of t en f ea t u r i n g com p l ex r oof
p en et r a t i on s , d a y l i g h t i n g s y s t em s , p h ot ov ol t a i c s y s t em s a n d ot h er p l a n t , a
f u l l y a d h er ed s y s t em i s of t en t h e m os t
s u i t a b l e a n d t y p i ca l l y u t i l i z es 3 m w i d e
m em b r a n es
A b a l l a s t ed i n s t a l l a t i on w i l l r eq u i r e a
s u p p or t t h a t ca n t a k e t h e a d d i t i on a l
i m p os ed l oa d of t h e b a l l a s t a s w el l a s
ex t r a eq u i p m en t t o m ov e t h e s t on es or
p a v er s T h e m em b r a n e i n s t a l l a t i on
i t s el f , h ow ev er, ca n b e com p l et ed v er y
q u i ck l y a s l a r g er s h eet s i z es ca n b e
u t i l i z ed w i t h n o f a s t en i n g or a d h es i on
r eq u i r ed i n t h e f i el d a r ea
T h e m ech a n i ca l l y a t t a ch ed m et h od i s
p a r t i cu l a r l y ef f ect i v e f or l a r g er r oof s
ov er l i g h t w ei g h t d eck s , u s u a l l y of
p r of i l ed s t eel , a n d w i t h f ew er
p en et r a t i on s t o t a k e a d v a n t a g e of t h e
l a r g er s h eet s i z es a v a i l a b l e
T h a n k s t o a d v a n ces i n t ech n ol og y, n ew s el f -a d h er ed E P D M m em b r a n es
h a v e b een l a u n ch ed p r ov i d i n g a n ot h er
op t i on f or t h e ed u ca t i on s ect or A n
a d h es i v e, w h i ch i s s ol v en t f r ee a n d
od ou r l es s , i s f a ct or y -a p p l i ed t o t h e m em b r a n e ’ s u n d er s i d e T h i s a l l ow s
i n s t a l l er s t o a p p l y t h e m em b r a n e
w i t h ou t t h e n eed f or a d d i t i on a l b on d i n g
a d h es i v es or p r i m er s on s i t e, el i m i n a t i n g a n y d r y i n g t i m e On a v er a g e, t h i s m ea n s a s el f -a d h er ed
m em b r a n e ca n b e i n s t a l l ed m or e t h a n
2 5 t i m es f a s t er t h a n a s t a n d a r d E P D M
s y s t em a n d r eq u i r es l es s l a b ou r, w h i ch
a l s o r ed u ces cos t s
F u t u r e p r o o f i n g
T h e p r os p ect of m or e ex t r em e w ea t h er
m ea n s i t i s v i t a l t o s p eci f y a h i g h l y
d u r a b l e w a t er p r oof i n g m em b r a n e
A c o r r ec t l y f i t t ed s i n g l e- p l y r o o f i n g
m em b r a n e w i l l p r o v i d e a l o n g - l a s t i n g
s o l u t i o n f o r s c h o o l r ef u r b i s h m en t s a n d n ew b u i l d s S i n g l e- p l y m em b r a n es
i n d ep en d en t l y c er t i f i ed b y t h e B r i t i s h
B o a r d o f A g r ém en t ( B B A ) w i l l l a s t f o r
a t l ea s t 3 0 y ea r s E P D M h a s o n e o f
t h e l o n g es t l i f e ex p ec t a n c i es o f a l l
ROOFING, CLADDING & INSULATION
work in progress on a mechanically attached roof
s i n g l e- p l y p r o d u c t s w i t h m a n y t h i r d -
p a r t y a s s es s m en t s i n d i c a t i n g 5 0 y ea r s
a n d b ey o n d
R es i s t a n t t o U V r a d i a t i on a n d
ex t r em e t em p er a t u r es , a n E P D M
m em b r a n e i s h i g h l y f l ex i b l e a l l ow i n g i t
t o el on g a t e b y m or e t h a n 3 0 0 % w i t h ou t
a n y d et r i m en t T h i s m ea n s i t w i l l r et u r n
t o i t s or i g i n a l s h a p e a n d m a i n t a i n i t s
p er f or m a n ce a f t er a n y ex p a n s i on s or
r et r a ct i on s ca u s ed b y s ev er e w ea t h er
M e e t i n g s u s t a i n a b i l i t y o b j e c t i v e s
To m eet t h e u r g en t n eed f or m or e
en v i r on m en t a l s u s t a i n a b i l i t y, a s i n g l e-
p l y w a t er p r oof i n g m em b r a n e ca n a l s o
h el p t o l ow er ca r b on em i s s i on s a n d
ex t en d t h e r oof ’ s l i f e ex p ect a n cy E P D M
i s con s i d er ed on e of t h e m os t
s u s t a i n a b l e op t i on s a s i t ca n a l s o b e r e-
u s ed a n d r ecy cl ed
F u r t h er m or e, a s y s t em s u ch a s
R u b b er Ga r d E P D M i s ch em i ca l l y i n er t
N o t ox i c s u b s t a n ces a r e r el ea s ed d u r i n g
i t s s er v i ce l i f e, a l l ow i n g r a i n w a t er
r u n of f t o b e col l ect ed f or d om es t i c u s e
I f t h e r oof d es i g n i n cl u d es s ol a r
p a n el s , E P D M w i l l n ot b e a f f ect ed b y
t h e ex t r a h ea t t h a t i s g en er a t ed ,
a v oi d i n g a n y con cer n s a b ou t t h e
m em b r a n e a g i n g f a s t er t h a n
a n t i ci p a t ed E P D M i s a l s o s u i t a b l e f or
g r een r oof s a s i t i s r es i s t a n t t o r oot
p en et r a t i on a n d s t r on g en ou g h t o
a ccom m od a t e f oot t r a f f i c a s s oci a t ed
w i t h f u t u r e m a i n t en a n ce
T i c k i n g a l l t h e b o x e s
A f u r t h er b en ef i t of a n E P D M s i n g l e-p l y
m em b r a n e i s t h a t i t ca n b e u s ed f or
m od u l a r s ch ool b u i l d i n g s
To en s u r e t h e h i g h es t q u a l i t y
s t a n d a r d s , ea ch s h eet of E P D M i s cu t t o
s i z e a n d a p p l i ed t o t h e p r ef a b r i ca t ed
m od u l e i n a con t r ol l ed , f a ct or y s et t i n g
A s t h e m a t er i a l i s l i g h t w ei g h t , i t ca n b e
i n s t a l l ed q u i ck l y a n d ea s i l y
Th e m em br a n e i s f u l l y a dh er ed t o ea ch m odu l e u si n g a sol v en t f r ee, odou r l ess a dh esi v e w h i ch ca n be qu i ck l y a n d sa f el y a ppl i ed i n si de a f a ct or y Th e m em br a n e l a ps t h e edge of ea ch m odu l e
so t h a t w h en t h e sect i on s a r e a ssem bl ed
on si t e, t w o su r f a ces of EP D M a r e m ech a n i ca l l y cl a m ped t oget h er r ea dy t o be sea l ed qu i ck l y a n d ea si l y
T h i s p r oces s a l l ow s m os t of t h e
r oof i n g w or k s t o b e com p l et ed b ef or e
t h e m od u l es a r e d el i v er ed t o s i t e, a v oi d i n g w ea t h er -r el a t ed d el a y s a n d
m i n i m i s i n g on -s i t e i n s t a l l a t i on t i m es
O n c e a d h er ed , E P D M m em b r a n es
a r e i m m ed i a t el y w a t er p r o o f a n d
r em a i n f l ex i b l e ev en i n ex t r em e
t em p er a t u r es a s l o w a s -4 5 0 C T h i s
m ea n s t h e m o d u l es c a n b e s t o r ed
o u t s i d e o n c e c o m p l et ed , f r eei n g u p
s p a c e w i t h i n t h e f a c t o r y
“T h e p ro s p e c t o f m o r e
e x t r e m e we a t h e r m e a n s i t i s
v i t a l t o s p e c i f y a h i g h l y
d u ra b l e wa t e r p ro o fi n g
m e m b ra n e . ”
A s y s t e m a p p r o a c h
F or a l l s ch ool r ef u r b i s h m en t s or n ew
b u i l d s , s p eci f i er s a n d con t r a ct or s
s h ou l d l ook a t t h e r oof a s a w h ol e
s y s t em w h i ch r eq u i r es ev er y
com p on en t t o w or k t og et h er ef f ect i v el y
t o a ch i ev e t h e r eq u i r ed p er f or m a n ce
Tech n i ca l a d v i ce s h ou l d b e ob t a i n ed
f r om t h e E P D M m a n u f a ct u r er a n d t h e
m em b r a n e a p p l i ed i n a ccor d a n ce w i t h
t h ei r g u i d el i n es T h e s y s t em s h ou l d b e
a p p r ov ed b y a t ech n i ca l s er v i ces t ea m
a n d i n s t a l l ed b y a f u l l y t r a i n ed , l i cen s ed
con t r a ct or, en a b l i n g a l on g -t er m
w a r r a n t y t o b e ob t a i n ed
On e s u ch s ch ool t o b en ef i t f r om a n
E P D M m em b r a n e i s A b b ey F a r m
E d u ca t e Tog et h er ( E T ) P r i m a r y S ch ool
i n N or t h S w i n d on T h e D f E a p p oi n t ed
of f s i t e con s t r u ct i on s p eci a l i s t R ed s 1 0 t o
d es i g n a n d b u i l d t h e s ch ool a s p a r t of
t h e Of f s i t e S ch ool s F r a m ew or k
R ed s 1 0 com p l et ed m os t of t h e
b u i l d i n g of f s i t e i n i t s f a ct or y N et z er o
ca r b on i n d es i g n , t h e s ch ool i n cl u d es a
w i d e r a n g e of s u s t a i n a b i l i t y f ea t u r es
s u ch a s a i r s ou r ce h ea t p u m p s ,
p h ot ov ol t a i cs , m ech a n i ca l a n d n a t u r a l
v en t i l a t i on , a l u m i n i u m d oor a n d w i n d ow f r a m es m a d e f r om r ecy cl ed
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t r a n s p or t a t i on a n d l oca t i on of ea ch
m od u l e on t o t h e p r oj ect s i t e ”
n For more information, please visit www rdr link/lat021
T h e r o l e o f g r e e n r o o f s i n
s u s t a i n a b l e d r a i n a g e s t r a t e g i e s
The effects of climate change have meant that extreme weather events, including heavy rainfall are now more common. Here, Holly Bur ns, Technical Specification Lead at SOPREMA explains how green roofs can contribute to effective flood water management as part of a Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) strategy.
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S OP R E M A , w h o ca n p r ov i d e b es t
p r a ct i ce g u i d a n ce a n d t ech n i ca l s u p p or t
a t a l l s t a g es of t h e p r oj ect
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t h e r i g h t d es i g n a n d s y s t em i s ch os en
t o en s u r e i t m eet s t h e n eed s of t h e
b u i l d i n g a n d i t s occu p a n t s
n To find out more about SOPREMA’s green roof range, visit: www rdr link/lat022
H o w t o s u c c e s s f u l l y
a l l o c a t e s o c i a l h o u s i n g f u n d i n g
Caroline Bowler, Head of Residential at SIG discusses how retrofit teams can lean on the supply chain to maximise the value of funding schemes.
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l i m i t ed soci a l h ou si n g bu dget w i l l a l w a y s be ch a l l en gi n g
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E n er g y P er f o r m a n c e C er t i f i c a t e ( E P C )
“U p g ra d i n g t h e s o c i a l
h o u s i n g s e c t o r i s n o t
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a l s o p r ov i d e p r i ci n g g u i d el i n es on
d i f f er en t s ol u t i on s , s a v i n g r et r of i t t ea m s ei t h er h a v i n g t o a p p r oa ch
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op t i on s or r el y on cos t l y con s u l t a n t s t o
p r ov i d e t h e s a m e i n f or m a t i on
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r et r of i t p r oces s , S I G ca n w or k w i t h L A s
a n d H A s t o g et t h e m os t of t h e f u n d i n g
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n More information on SIG can be found at www.rdr.link/lat023
New multi-layer insulation blanket
YBS Insulation has launched ThermaQuilt Ultra, a highperformance multi-layer insulation blanket designed for diverse applications in roofs, walls and floors Offering exceptional thermal resistance in a thin, flexible 45mm profile, ThermaQuilt Ultra is an ideal solution for both new construction and renovation projects in residential and commercial buildings ThermaQuilt Ultra's multi-layer composition effectively manages all forms of energy transfer, including conduction, convection and radiation This innovative design not only retains heat in winter but also reflects solar heat in summer, reducing the need for artificial cooling systems With a non-degradable construction, the product maintains thermal performance throughout the lifespan of the building, while also boasting an eco-friendly composition, utilizing recycled materials It can be easily cut with a knife or scissors and fixed with staples, while overlapping joints are sealed with foil tape The product is available in convenient 1 5m x 10m rolls, which also helps to minimise waste compared to traditional insulation materials
CARLISLE® Expands UK
Roofing Portfolio with the launch of SURE-MELT® CARLISLE® has broadened the choice the company can offer specifiers and contractors in the UK with the launch of its SUREMELT® bituminous waterproofing system A durable hot melt waterproofing system for flat roofs, podium decks and green roofs, SURE-MELT® adds to Carlisle Construction Materials Ltd portfolio of roofing systems for the UK market SURE-MELT® is a multi-layer hot melt system developed to provide a cost-effective and durable option for new build construction projects Ideal for buried applications, including green/blue roofs and warm roofs, the system provides effective protection from water ingress, mitigating the risk of any costly remediation works and delivering an extended, low maintenance service life Made of a polymer-modified bitumen compound, which is hot-applied in two layers to provide a hardwearing, seamless waterproofing membrane, it comes with a choice of protection sheets to further enhance the durability and versatility of the system
Advanced polyurethane liquid applied membrane
Sika announces the launch of Sikalastic®625 BMS, an advanced polyurethane liquid applied membrane (LAM) for flat roofs, incorporating sustainable chemical innovation This product reduces carbon footprint by over 35%, representing a step toward a more sustainable construction industry and seamlessly blending high performance with environmental responsibility This single component, cold applied, moisturetriggered liquid polyurethane membrane rapidly cures to form a robust, weatherresistant barrier, providing outstanding performance with the added benefits of a reduced carbon footprint, low odour, and improved safety Sika has included biomass balanced materials in the Sikalastic®-625 BMS formulation Biomass balanced materials are a direct drop-in solution with immediate sustainability impact They are chemically and technically equivalent to their fossil-based counterparts, lowering greenhouse gas emissions without changing the performance of the product
n To learn more please visit www.rdr.link/lat025
Elevate launches RIBA accredited sustainability CPD
Elevate has launched a RIBA approved CPD seminar to help specifiers design roofs that improve sustainability The CPD explores how different elements in the roof can create a more environmentally sustainable building The impact of different construction materials at each stage of a building’s life is explained followed by the importance of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) The core factors to consider when designing a roof add to the learning, including thermal performance, the latest fire regulations and how a correct installation is critical to a project’s success
Delegates will also learn about the role of single-ply roofing membranes, the environmental impact of different types, and how to enhance a roof’s green credentials through measures such as solar panels, and green and blue roof construction
n The CPD seminar is
www.rdr.link/lat027
n For more on the entire Sika range please visit www.rdr.link/lat026
Marley introduces new Solartile 410
Marley has launched a new panel option in its SolarTile® range – the SolarTile® 410 The new panel delivers a peak power of 410W to increase total power from a roof area, while allowing for the installation of fewer solar panels to achieve the desired output By adding a more powerful 410Wp panel to the SolarTile® range, alongside the existing 335Wp solution, specifiers, housebuilders and contractors can benefit from increased versatility depending on project size and output requirements
The new Marley SolarTile® 410 offers simple roof integration with a clean, low-profile aesthetic making it a desirable and efficient solution for new build and retrofit projects Compatible with Marley’s existing range of concrete and clay tiles, and including special fixings for different batten thicknesses, the 410 panel is accompanied by a complete family of colour-coded flashing kits, for ease of installation The 410 panel achieves exceptional fire performance, wind resistance and weather tightness, making it an ideal solution for solar roofing projects
Adver tisement
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