Local Authority Building & Maintenance January/February 2025 by Hamerville Media Group

LOCAL AUTHORITY BUIL DING& MA INT ENA NCE

SPECIAL REPORT

Social purpose law firm, Anthony Collins, examine the benefits of cross-industry collaboration involving housing associations and local authorities.

REDUCING PLASTIC IN CONSTRUCTION

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

HOUSING & REGENERATION

HEATING & RENEWABLE ENERGY

VENTILATION & AIR MANAGEMENT

THE LEADING MAGAZINE FOR LOCAL AUTHORITY AND HOUSING ASSOCIATION SPECIFIERS

5 Comment Planning ahead

6 News

New Leicestershire Medical Centre –Solar Panels for Coventry University –Scout hut refurbished following vandalism – Major retroﬁt gathering

10 Industry comment

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

13 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

14 Housing repairs

Richard Brooks, partner in the projects team at social purpose law ﬁrm, Anthony Collins, looks at how cross-industry collaboration involving housing associations and local authorities could provide a solution

16 The case for clay in the housebuilding boom

Clay’s role in the water management of new developments

19 Choosing a ﬂooring contractor

How choosing the right ﬂooring contractor can signiﬁcantly impact the overall success of a construction or renovation project

22 Round Up

23 Improving energy eﬃciency in social housing

Fit-for-purpose heating controls that can help homes to become more energy eﬃcient

26 Heat networks: the low-carbon solution for social housing

How community heat hubs can aid the transition from fossil fuels to decarbonised heating systems

29 Hybrid heating systems

Hybrid heating systems help bridge the gap between reliance on fossil fuel burning boilers and low carbon heat pumps

31 Embracing Renewable Energy in Heating electric boilers can oﬀer a renewablepowered heating solution designed for modern homes and buildings

33 Round Up

34 Understanding Damp and Mould

The need for innovation to be more widely adopted and why Awaab’s law is only the beginning in the ﬁght against damp and mould

37 Time to tackle the social housing mould crisis

How MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery) systems can help tackle the problem

39 Round Up

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P l a n n i n g A h e a d

G r e y B e l t l a n d r e l e a s e d f o r h o u s i n g Lo c a l

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t h e v a r i o u s c h a n g e s w i t h i n t h e N P P F

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

T h e N P P F n o w p l a c e s m o r e e m p h a s i s o n

This revised framework replaces the previous National Planning Policy Framework published in March 2012 which was most recently revised in December 2023

T h e r e a r e a n u m b e r o f ke y c h a n g e s :

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

A new ‘Standard Method’ used for calculating local housing need is based on existing housing stock numbers which has significantly increased the annual housing need figures for many authorities

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s t r u g g l e s o f m a n y l o c a l a u t h o r i t i e s H o w e v e r,

p l a n n i n g r e f o r m a l o n e w o n ’ t s o l v e t h e

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i n v e s t m e n t i n t h e S p e n d i n g Re v i e w t o h e l p

t h e s e c t o r m e e t t h e g o v e r n m e n t ’ s 1 5 m i l l i o n h o m e s t a r g e t ”

Utility partner GTC look at how heat networks can deliver low carbon heat and hot water into social housing (turn to page 26 to read more)

IN BRIEF NEWS

£2m retroﬁt project sees the successful upgrade of 47 homes in Oldham

Almost 50 families in Oldham, Greater Manchester have received life changing energy eﬃciency upgrades to their homes following the completion of a retroﬁt decarbonisation project by Sustainable Building Services and the Onward Homes Housing Association

“ More than 6,000 social homes are receiving upgrades totalling £113m ”

Having been built in the early 1900s, the terraced properties had received little to no energy eﬃciency measures since To address their aging EPC credentials, a range of measures have been implemented under the government's Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund Wave 2 grant More than 6,000 of the region’s social homes are receiving upgrades totalling £113m, after GMCA secured almost £45m grant funding from the ﬁrst two waves of the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, with a further £68m in match funding provided by local partners as well

£3.6m Leicestershire medical centre now complete

The new Barwell Medical centre is now open to the public. Located oﬀ High Street, Barwell, the state-of-the-art, two-storey facility replaces the outdated Jersey Way centre, addressing the increasing demand for modern healthcare services in the local community.

Designed to accommodate the region’s growing population, the new medical centre will cater to a continuing rise in users over the next decade, and the building’s additional space has enabled a broader range of vital health services including physiotherapy, mental health support, and minor surgical procedures

The L-shaped facility now features 12 consulting rooms, a health promotion area, recovery spaces, and modern amenities, including 52 car parking spaces and six cycle racks Constructed to BREEAM Excellent standards, the centre ensures long-term sustainability and energy eﬃciency

As part of G F Tomlinson’s commitment to the communities they serve, the project also saw the contractor source 70% Local Labour

within 30 miles of site and the team worked closely with a neighbouring school for a variety of community activities, which included hosting a health and safety assembly alongside a site poster competition for pupils

They also supported the local LOROS Hospice with a Christmas tree collection initiative – which allows local residents to have their trees collected by volunteers, in return for a voluntary donation to the hospice

The project, which included the demolition of an unused brownﬁeld site previously housing a vehicle workshop and warehouse, marks a signiﬁcant step forward for healthcare provision in Barwell, ensuring the local community has access to essential medical services for years to come

New solar panels for Coventry University

Coventry University has begun work to reduce its carbon emissions and meet its net zero carbon target by 2030 by installing hundreds of new solar panels.

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

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c o v e r t h e r o o f s o f T h e H u b a n d t h e

A l m a b u i l d i n g s h o r t l y

Nearly 800 panels will be installed across university buildings In total these will be approximately the same scale as around 90 typical home solar arrays This is only the start of the decarbonisation work at Coventry University - in May 2025 pipework will be put in place that will allow 11 of the university’s city centre buildings to join the existing district energy scheme T

IN BRIEF

Mears Foundation grant supports makeover for Bristol charity centre

A Bristol charity which supports children and young adults with disabilities has benefited from a £10,000 grant from the Mears Foundation

“

Ever yone at Sense is hugely thankful to the Mear s Foundation for their continued suppor t at Sense Centre Southwest.” – SENSE UK

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

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n e c e s s a r y e l e c t r i c a l w o r k t o c o n n e c t

t h e e q u i p m e n t r e a d y f o r u s e

Eﬃciency North, a social housing consortium based in Northern England, has led a project to refurbish the 19th Askern scout hut in Doncaster, following a spate of vandalism and theft that left the hut unusable

The local community was left distressed after the scout hut, which was the result of 10 years of fundraising, was raided and badly vandalised in autumn 2024 Several high value items were damaged or stolen, including space heaters, tents, pizza ovens, and a ﬂat-pack kitchen that was yet to be installed Copper piping was also removed from inside the scout base, which caused signiﬁcant damage to the interior

Local housing services provider St Leger Homes alerted a number of local businesses to the damage, and keen to support the community, they joined forces to help with the repairs for no fee In addition to Efficiency North, the full team of contractors included Denton Nickels for the electrical and bathroom repairs, R H Fullwoods & Co for the carpet and door installations, DSR Demolition for the removal of a dilapidated storage unit, and Yorkshire Choice Homes for work on the external areas, fencing and gates Allerton Damp Proofing also contributed to funding towards replacement camping equipment along with Efficiency North

The completed works include repaired ceilings, substantial rewiring, a new electrical heating system, an emergency lighting scheme, repairs to three bathrooms, fresh carpets throughout, security doors, a new access road and external surfaces, security gates and fencing, and updated signage Allerton Damp Proofing contributed £8,000 worth of funding to cover the replacement of camping equipment that was stolen or damaged, which was rounded up to £10,000 by Efficiency North

Optimism prevails at major retroﬁt gathering

More than 150 leaders in the energy eﬃciency sector met last month for the annual National Home Decarbonisation Group (NHDG) and National Insulation Association (NIA) Parliamentary Reception, hosted in the historic House of Lords Cholmondeley Room and Terrace by Lord Best.

Talks reflected on the significant strides forward in decarbonisation of the UK’s housing stock over recent years and the bold ambitions for the future shared by the government, public and private sectors

With the new Labour government’s commitments to energy efficiency now laid out, it was a crucial time for both organisations to come together and discuss how to turn plans into reality NHDG members had also met earlier in the day for its latest forum, with attendance from DESNZ, Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise (RISE), and Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA)

M e m b e r s o f t h e N H D G a n d N I A s p e c i a l i s e i n

Lord Best delivering his keynote speech

My contribution to the last issue focused on the precarious financial state of most council housing budgets. I make no apology for retur ning to the same topic here; it remains the biggest issue in housing policy because unless it is fixed the Gover nment has no chance of delivering successfully on its plans to introduce Awaab’s Law, implement a new Decent Homes Standard, decarbonise council housing or build its promised 1.5 million new homes by 2030.

The Government’s consultation on future rent increases, the focus of my last piece, closed on 23 December Early in the new year, ARCH joined the Chartered Institute of Housing, National Housing Federation, Local Government Association and others in a letter to the Deputy Prime Minister and Chancellor calling for a 10 year rent settlement based on annual increase up to 1% above CPI plus, importantly, an additional allowance of £2 or £3 a week to allow rents over time to converge to ‘formula’ values which they have been prevented from reaching by past Government restrictions, including the 7% limit on rent increases in 2023 We will probably have to wait until the summer Budget to find out whether the Government has listened

In the meantime, rent increases this year are tied to 2.7%, based on a lowerthan-expected CPI rise last September, while councils are facing building costs

rising far faster, plus the impact of the increased employers’ National Insurance contributions announced in the Autumn 2024 Budget Government has made some extra help available to councils for the latter, but it only meets around a third of the estimated costs.

These immediate challenges are only a fraction of a much bigger problem Even if the sector’s rent demands are met, Savills estimate that it will still take at least 5 years to bring council Housing Revenue Accounts back into surplus; there is a short-term funding gap of £7-8 billion that must somehow be ﬁxed Last month Southwark council published data collected from 76 stockholding councils showing that two thirds expect to have diﬃculty balancing their housing budgets in the next few years despite drawing on emergency funds, cutting back on repairs or selling homes

More is needed than a long-term rent settlement Southwark is calling for the Government to look again at the

fundamentals of council housing ﬁnance –the 2012 self-ﬁnancing settlement – and agree to a £644 million cash injection to compensate for the 7% rent increase limit in 2023, as well as an all-round reduction in local authority housing debt They point to a study by Savills for the Chartered Institute of Housing arguing that debt needs to be cut from its current £29 billion to £11 billion to enable council housing to balance its books.

It will be an uphill battle to convince the Treasury on either proposal Perhaps the only argument that might cut through is that councils will not be able to build at scale unless their finances are secure 1 5 million new homes – reconfirmed as a key Government mission – will not be built unless at least a third of them are affordable or built for social rent To meet this target, it is crucial that councils can play their part by building a new generation of council housing Government should be prepared to do whatever is necessary to make that possible.

www.arch-housing.org.uk

REDUCING PLASTIC IN CONSTRUCTION

in association with

New Year and New Outlook for Plastics in Construction?

Looking back at 2024, debate continued about reliance on plastic in our lives and impacts on the environment and human health. The United Nations Environment Programme in 2022 initiated a ser ies of inter national negotiations to develop a global treaty on plastic pollution. This culminated in a 5th round of talks in South Korea in December, with high hopes for a binding agreement on a treaty Despite progress from the 3300 delegates present, it was not possible to achieve consensus, and negotiations have been deferred to later in 2025

Looking forward, there is an increased emphasis by governments worldwide towards reducing plastic pollution and potential harmful effects to the environment and human health The difficulty is in how to achieve this, but it will be essential to address all aspects of the materials used from production through use and recycling as well as final disposal Any effective treaty will have to address measures across the full lifecycle of plastics to reduce pollution and health impacts and will require inclusion of extended producer responsibility (EPR)

These considerations also apply to evaluation of plastic materials when considering embodied carbon Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) has become a widely adopted methodology for assessing embodied carbon within the construction industry It must consider the entire life cycle of products from prevention, reduction, collection, sorting, transport, reuse, to recycling, as well as information and awareness, national circumstances, capacities and just transition

Our colleague at Changing Streams, Ammar Sadou, has been looking at life cycle analysis for assessing embodied carbon within the construction industry

She makes the following points:

Although LCA has been widely adopted, signiﬁcant ﬂaws in its application raise concerns about the accuracy, consistency, and reliability of its results

Proficiency in LCA software is often prioritised over a critical understanding of its limitations by those using the tools Consequently, decisions with significant environmental and economic impacts are being made based on data that may not fully reflect reality These concerns would also apply to LCA used in terms of leakage of plastic into the environment

Firstly, the availability and accuracy of data on embodied carbon are deeply ﬂawed In many cases, precise data for speciﬁc materials are either unavailable or incomplete As a result, users are often forced to select proxy data or approximate values from standardised databases These substitutions may not accurately represent the materials in question, introducing a margin of error that undermines the credibility of the assessment

Secondly, measurement methodologies lack standardisation Diﬀerent databases and tools employ varying units, metrics, and calculation methods, making it challenging for planners, engineers, and decision-makers to interpret results consistently This inconsistency further complicates cross-comparison between projects and regions

Moreover, the industry has developed an over-reliance on LCA software tools While these tools are valuable for

streamlining calculations, their outputs are often treated as deﬁnitive results without critically evaluating the underlying assumptions and limitations Many professionals using these tools may lack a deep understanding of their methodologies, resulting in blind trust in potentially ﬂawed outcomes

In conclusion, while LCA remains a crucial tool for assessing embodied carbon as well as for microplastic pollution, it is imperative to acknowledge its limitations

Improved data accuracy, standardisation of methodologies, and enhanced transparency in software tools are essential steps towards more reliable and actionable outcomes Without addressing these issues, the industry risks perpetuating a cycle of decisions based on incomplete or misleading information

Let’s look forward to progress in 2025!

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

H o u s i n g r e p a i r s –

g e t t i n g b y w i t h a l i t t l e

h e l p f r o m o u r f r i e n d s ?

The pressure on local authorities and smaller housing associations to get repairs services right, particularly without spending a high percentage of operational budget, is immense. However, there are opportunities to address these challenges and provide a solution to the housing crisis. Richard Brooks, partner in the projects team at social purpose law firm, Anthony Collins, looks at how cross-industry collaboration involving housing associations and local authorities could provide a solution.

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w o u l d b e a b a r r i er

T h e n ew P r o c u r em en t A c t 2 0 2 3

c o n t a i n s a n exem p t i o n f o r c r o s si n d u s t r y c o l l a b o r a t i o n , k n o w n a s

‘ h o r i z o n t a l a r r a n g em en t s ’ T h i s exem p t i o n s t a t es w h er e t w o o r m o r e

a u t h o r i t i es o r h o u s i n g a s s o c i a t i o n s a r e c o n t r a c t ed t o a c h i ev e c o m m o n

o b j ec t i v es r el a t i n g t o s o c i a l h o u s i n g

r ep a i r s , t h er e i s n o n eed f o r a p u b l i c

p r o c u r em en t p r o c es s t o s el ec t t h e

o t h er s o c i a l h o u s i n g p r o v i d er w i t h

w h o m t h ey w i s h t o w o r k w i t h F r o m a

g o v er n a n c e p er s p ec t i v e, t h er e w o u l d

n eed t o b e ev i d en c e a s t o w h y

en t er i n g i n t o t h e a r r a n g em en t i s a

g o o d i d ea f o r b o t h p r o v i d er s a n d

t en a n t s , a n d t h i s w i l l r eq u i r e

l a n d l o r d s t o i n v o l v e t h ei r t en a n t s i n

“P ro c u r i n g s e r v i c e s

c o l l a b o ra t i ve l y h e l p s s o c i a l

h o u s i n g p rov i d e r s l eve ra g e

t h i s d ec i s i o n m a k i n g W h en s t a r t i n g

s u c h c r o s s -i n d u s t r y c o l l a b o r a t i o n s

t h e l eg a l i t i es a r e o f t en t h e ea s i er p a r t

t o a d d r es s C h a l l en g es m a y a r i s e

w h en en s u r i n g c o u n c i l s a n d / o r

h o u s i n g p r o v i d er s a n d t h ei r t en a n t s

a r e a l i g n ed i n t er m s o f t h ei r

ex p ec t a t i o n s o f t h e r ep a i r s s er v i c e –

a s o t h er w i s e c o l l a b o r a t i o n i s u n l i k el y

t o b e f r u i t f u l

W i t h t h i s i n m i n d , t h e d eg r ee o f

b u y -i n t o a n y p r o p o s ed s h a r ed

a r r a n g em en t s n eed t o b e c a r ef u l l y

t h o u g h t t h r o u g h ea r l y o n T h e m o r e

l eg a l l y c o m m i t t ed a n y p a r t i es a r e t o

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

c o l l a b o r a t i o n , o f t en t h e g r ea t er t h e

b en ef i t s t h a t c a n b e l ev er a g ed f r o m

s u c h a r r a n g em en t s T h e m u c h -n eed ed

i n v es t m en t i n j o b s , t r a i n i n g , ex p a n d i n g

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

f o r t h e p r i v a t e s ec t o r t o m a k e i f o n l y

s h o r t -t er m a r r a n g em en t s a r e o n o f f er,

o r t h er e i s v er y l i m i t ed b u y -i n f r o m

ei t h er o f t h e c o l l a b o r a t i n g p a r t i es

T h e f i r s t s t ep i n ex p l o r i n g c r o s s -

i n d u s t r y c o l l a b o r a t i o n d o es n o t n eed

t o b e c o s t l y o r t i m e c o n s u m i n g

U n d er s t a n d i n g i f t h er e a r e l i k e-m i n d ed

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

o v er l a p p i n g g eo g r a p h i es a n d h o u s i n g

o u t l o o k s , w h o s e a r r a n g em en t s a r e

c o m i n g u p f o r r en ew a l a t a s i m i l a r

t i m e, i s w o r t h ex p l o r i n g U l t i m a t el y,

d r a w i n g u p s o m e h ea d s o f t er m s

d em o n s t r a t i n g w h a t a n y l o n g er -t er m

a r r a n g em en t s c o u l d l o o k l i k e,

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

f r o m c o l l a b o r a t i n g , i s a g o o d f i r s t s t ep

t o m eet i n g t h e g r o w i n g p r o b l em s o f

t h e f ew er r es o u r c es n eed ed t o p r o v i d e

b et t er q u a l i t y a n d m o r e r es p o n s i v e

r ep a i r s s er v i c es

e c o n o m i e s o f s c a l e … ” n

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

Here, Stuart Steel, Product Manager for Clay at Wavin UK, explains how water management will be mission-critical in the long-term future of new developments, and why we can’t afford to overlook clay’s potential to help build effective and sustainable management systems

Fu l l s t ea m a h ea d h a s , s o f a r, b een

t h e n ew Gov er n m en t ’ s a t t i t u d e

t o h ou s eb u i l d i n g , w i t h a n

a p p r oa ch t h a t p u t s s oci a l a n d

a f f or d a b l e p r op er t i es a t t h e cen t r e

H ow ev er, m eet i n g t h e a m b i t i ou s t a r g et s

s et i n West m i n st er w i l l be easi er sai d

t h an don e

E x p a n d i n g h ou s i n g s t ock on s u ch a

l a r g e s ca l e, w h i l e h a v i n g a s l i t t l e i m p a ct on t h e n a t u r a l en v i r on m en t a s p os s i b l e,

of t en m ea n s b u i l d i n g on t r i ck y

b r ow n f i el d s i t es I t ’ s i n t h i s con t ex t t h a t d ev el op er s s h ou l d g i v e a b i t of ex t r a

t h ou g h t t o cl a y p i p e s y s t em s W h i l e

t h ei r u s e m a y h a v e d ecl i n ed i n r ecen t

y ea r s , cl a y s t i l l h a s s p eci f i c p r op er t i es

t h a t m a k es t h em a t op p er f or m er on p r ev i ou s l y u s ed s i t es

T u r n i n g b r o w n a r o u n d

B r ow n f i el d si t es – l a n d pr ev i ou sl y u sed i n a n i n du st r i a l , m i l i t a r y, or com m er ci a l

ca pa ci t y – com es w i t h speci f i c

ch a l l en ges, f or bel ow -gr ou n d w a t er

m a n a gem en t Th ese si t es t a k e a l ot of pr epa r a t i on bef or e r esi den t i a l

con st r u ct i on ca n begi n , m ost

i m por t a n t l y r em ov i n g h a za r ds l ef t ov er

f r om t h ei r pa st u se l i v es Th i s ca n i n cl u de di su sed pi pes or w a t er sy st em s

n o l on ger f i t f or u se, cr ea t i n g f u r t h er

ch a l l en ges f or dev el oper s w h en i t com es

t o i n st a l l i n g n ew or u pda t ed sy st em s

C on t a m i n a t i on i s a n ot h er k ey

con s i d er a t i on S i t es w i t h i n d u s t r i a l

p a s t s of t en com e w i t h t h e r i s k of

r es i d u a l ch em i ca l s or h a z a r d ou s w a s t e

i n t h e s oi l , p os i n g a t h r ea t t o p eop l e

w or k i n g on t h e s i t e, a n d ev en t u a l

occu p a n t s i f n ot h a n d l ed cor r ect l y

P r op er f ou l w a t er m a n a g em en t i s

cr u ci a l t o p r ev en t l ea k s t h a t cou l d

com p r om i s e w a t er s y s t em s a n d cr ea t e

s er i ou s h ea l t h r i s k s I t ' s i n t h es e

en v i r on m en t s t h a t cl a y of f er s a

s u p er i or s ol u t i on – w i t h i t s i n er t

p r op er t i es , t h e m a t er i a l d oes n ot r ea ct

w i t h h a r m f u l ch em i ca l s or

con t a m i n a n t s f ou n d on t h es e s i t es B y

ch oos i n g cl a y ov er ot h er m a t er i a l s ,

d ev el op er s ca n en s u r e a r ob u s t a n d

s ecu r e s y s t em t h a t ca n w i t h s t a n d t h e

ch a l l en g es of t h es e en v i r on m en t s ,

p r ov i d i n g l on g -t er m r el i a b i l i t y a n d

s a f eg u a r d i n g p u b l i c h ea l t h

C l a y i n g t h e f o u n d a t i o n s

C l a y h a s b een t h e m a t er i a l of ch oi ce f or

w a t er s y s t em s f or h u n d r ed s of y ea r s ,

b u t i t s p op u l a r i t y h a s d ecl i n ed i n r ecen t

t i m es a s a l t er n a t i v es h a v e com e on t o

t h e m a r k et H ow ev er, t h i s d oes n ’ t m ea n i t ’ s t i m e t o f or g et a b ou t i t a l t og et h er,

a s , a f t er a l l , t h er e ’ s a r ea s on t h a t i t

d om i n a t ed f or s o l on g

C l a y p r ov i d es t h e l on g -t er m

r el i a b i l i t y a n d s a f et y r eq u i r ed b y n ew

d ev el op m en t s w i t h ch a l l en g i n g b el ow -

g r ou n d en v i r on m en t s I t s l ow b u oy a n cy

h el p s m a i n t a i n s t a b i l i t y d u r i n g h ea v y r a i n f a l l , p r ev en t i n g cl a y s y s t em s f r om

f l oa t i n g i n w a t er l og g ed s i t es

A n ot h er b en ef i t i s t h e i n er t n a t u r e of

cl a y, m ea n i n g i t d oes n ’ t r ea ct w i t h t h e

ch em i ca l s a n d con t a m i n a n t s of t en

f ou n d on b r ow n f i el d s i t es T h i s m a k es i t a cl ea r ch oi ce f or h ou s i n g p r oj ect s on

b r ow n f i el d l a n d , b u t a l s o p u b l i c s p a ce

s u ch a s h os p i t a l s a n d l ei s u r e f a ci l i t i es

t h a t r eg u l a r l y u s e h a r s h ch em i ca l s i n

r ob u s t cl ea n i n g p r oces s es C l a y ’ s

n a t u r a l r es i s t a n ce t o ch em i ca l er os i on

ex t en d s t h e s y s t em ' s l i f es p a n , w h i l e t h e

m a t er i a l ' s p r es s u r e r es i l i en ce m a k es i t

w el l -s u i t ed f or h i g h -p r es s u r e j et t i n g , a cl ea n i n g m et h od f r eq u en t l y u s ed i n

t h es e en v i r on m en t s T h i s a d d ed

d u r a b i l i t y en s u r es t h a t cl a y p i p es

r em a i n i n t a ct a n d ef f i ci en t , r ed u ci n g

t h e n eed f or f r eq u en t r ep a i r s or

r ep l a cem en t s

D u r a b i l i t y a n d l on g ev i t y a r e t h e k ey

q u a l i t i es f or t h es e s y s t em s , a n d cl a y of f er s a n u n r i v a l l ed l i f es p a n F or

i n s t a n ce, W a v i n ’ s H ep w or t h cl a y r a n g e

exem p l i f i es t h i s w i t h a l i f et i m e

ex p ect a n cy of m or e t h a n 1 0 0 y ea r s ,

p r ov i d i n g n a t u r a l s t r en g t h a n d

r es i s t a n ce t o g r ou n d m ov em en t a n d

ex t er n a l p r es s u r es , ev en on t h e m os t

ch a l l en g i n g s i t es

“ Sites with industr ial pasts often come with the r isk of residual chemicals or hazardous waste in the soil ”

F u l l s t e a m a h e a d

D ev el op er s a n d l oca l a u t h or i t i es n eed

t o m ov e f a s t i f t h e Gov er n m en t i s t o

m eet i t s h ou s eb u i l d i n g t a r g et s T h a t

m ea n s w or k i n g w i t h t h e s i t es t h a t t h ey

h a v e, w h a t ev er con d i t i on t h ey ’ r e i n

T h e ch a l l en g es of w or k i n g on

b r ow n f i el d s i t es a r e p a r t i cu l a r l y a cu t e

w h en i t com es t o w a t er m a n a g em en t , a n d i m p l em en t i n g t h e r i g h t s t r a t eg y i s cr u ci a l t o en s u r i n g n ew p r oj ect s a r e

s a f e a n d s u s t a i n a b l e C l a y d es er v es a n ot h er l ook f r om d ev el op er s i n t h i s con t ex t P i p es m a d e f r om t h e m a t er i a l

h a v e b een p r ov i d i n g t h e d u r a b i l i t y a n d

l on g ev i t y f or y ea r s a n d h a v e p a r t i cu l a r a d v a n t a g es w h en i t com es t o

t r a n s f or m i n g b r ow n f i el d s i t es A s t h ey

s a y, “ i f i t a i n ’ t b r ok e, d on ’ t f i x i t ”

n For more information please visit: www.rdr.link/lav002

Choosing a flooring contractor

A s h i g h e r p r i c e s s e e m o re a n d m o re a u t h o r i t i e s s w i t c h t o c e n t r a l i s e d b u y i n g i n a b i d t o s l a s h

c o s t s , L o u i s e Wa l t e r s , c o m m e rc i a l d i re c t o r f o r D e s i g n e r C o n t r a c t s , a rg u e s t h e c a s e f o r t a k i n g a

m o re w i d e - r a n g i n g v i e w o f v a l u e .

Ch oos i n g t h e r i g h t f l oor i n g

con t r a ct or i s a cr i t i ca l

d eci s i on f or s oci a l h ou s i n g

a n d h ou s i n g p r ov i d er s w i t h

t h e p ot en t i a l t o s i g n i f i ca n t l y i m p a ct t h e

ov er a l l s u cces s of a con s t r u ct i on or

r en ov a t i on p r oj ect F r om t h e q u a l i t y

a n d r a n g e of p r od u ct s t o b u y i n g p ow er,

s t ock l ev el s , com p l i a n ce, en v i r on m en t a l

i m p a ct , ex p er t i s e a n d s er v i ce l ev el s , t h e

r i g h t f l oor i n g s ol u t i on s g o d eep er t h a n

p r i ce a l on e T h es e a r e s om e of t h e m a i n

p oi n t s t o con s i d er :

S i z e a n d r e p u t a t i o n

A n es t a b l i s h ed con t r a ct or w i t h n a t i on a l

r ea ch , r ep u t a t i on , b u y i n g p ow er a n d i n -

d ep t h s t ock l ev el s i s l i k el y t o b e a

r el i a b l e, a l l -r ou n d -s a f e ch oi ce i n t er m s

of f u l f i l l i n g a con t r a ct on t i m e, w i t h i n

b u d g et a n d w i t h t h e s p eci f i ed p r od u ct s

A s u p p l i er ’ s ex p er i en ce i n t h e i n d u s t r y

a n d t h ei r r ep u t a t i on ca n p r ov i d e

v a l u a b l e i n s i g h t s i n t o t h ei r r el i a b i l i t y

C h eck i n g cu s t om er t es t i m on i a l s , ca s e

s t u d i es , a n d r ev i ew s ca n h el p a s s es s

t h e s u p p l i er ’ s r ep u t a t i on

L o c a l p r e s e n c e a n d s u p p l y c h a i n

W or k i n g w i t h b u s i n es s es w h o h a v e a

s t r on g l oca l p r es en ce m a k es t h em

m or e a cces s i b l e a n d a b l e t o p r ov i d e

f a s t er r es p on s e t i m es f or d el i v er i es

a n d s u p p or t

Q u a l i t y a n d r a n g e o f p r o d u c t s

L o o k f o r a c o m p a n y t h a t o f f er s a

g o o d b r ea d t h o f c h o i c e H i g h - q u a l i t y p r o d u c t s f r o m k n o w n b r a n d s a l o n g

w i t h c o m p et i t i v el y p r i c ed ‘ w h i t e l a b el ’

l i n es s h o u l d b e a m o n g t h e o p t i o n s

a v a i l a b l e a c r o s s a d i v er s e r a n g e o f

c a r p et , v i n y l , l a m i n a t e, s a f et y f l o o r i n g ,

w o o d a n d v i n y l t i l es T h i s a l l o w s

p r o c u r em en t d ep a r t m en t s t o s el ec t

t h e m o s t a p p r o p r i a t e p r o d u c t f o r

d i f f er en t a r ea s w i t h i n a p r o j ec t A n d

d o t h ey h o l d s u f f i c i en t s t o c k l ev el s t o

en s u r e c o n s i s t en t a v a i l a b i l i t y o n a l l

t h o s e p r o d u c t s?

S u s t a i n a b i l i t y a n d e n v i r o n m e n t a l

i m p a c t

I n cr ea s i n g em p h a s i s on s u s t a i n a b i l i t y

m ea n s i t i s i m p or t a n t t o ch oos e a

con t r a ct or com m i t t ed t o

en v i r on m en t a l l y f r i en d l y p r a ct i ces L ook

f or t h os e w h o of f er eco-f r i en d l y f l oor i n g

op t i on s , s u ch a s m a t er i a l s w i t h l ow

V OC ( Vol a t i l e Or g a n i c C om p ou n d )

em i s s i on s a n d t h os e m a d e f r om

r ecy cl ed or s u s t a i n a b l e r es ou r ces D oes

t h e s u p p l i er op er a t e a n y k i n d of

r ecy cl i n g s ch em e? M a n y h ou s i n g

p r ov i d er s a n d a u t h or i t i es n ow a l s o l ook

f or G ol d S t a n d a r d m em b er s h i p of t h e

S u p p l y C h a i n S u s t a i n a b i l i t y S ch ool ( a n

a w a r d -w i n n i n g v i r t u a l l ea r n i n g p l a t f or m

d ed i ca t ed t o a d v a n ci n g s u s t a i n a b i l i t y

p r a ct i ces a cr os s t h e b u i l t en v i r on m en t i n d u s t r y ) A l s o l ook f or cer t i f i ca t i on s

l i k e F S C ( F or es t S t ew a r d s h i p C ou n ci l )

f or w ood p r od u ct s or C r a d l e t o

C r a d l e cer t i f i ca t i on

T e c h n i c a l s u p p o r t a n d e x p e r t i s e

A g ood f l oor i n g con t r a ct or s h ou l d of f er

r ob u s t t ech n i ca l s u p p or t a n d ex p er t i s e

T h i s i n cl u d es p r ov i d i n g d et a i l ed

p r od u ct i n f or m a t i on , i n s t a l l a t i on g u i d es ,

a n d m a i n t en a n ce a d v i ce S u p p l i er s w i t h

k n ow l ed g ea b l e s t a f f w h o ca n of f er on -

s i t e con s u l t a t i on s a n d b es p ok e

s ol u t i on s ca n s i g n i f i ca n t l y a d d v a l u e t o

a p r oj ect

C u s t om i s a t i on a n d d es i g n f l ex i b i l i t y

P r oj ect

s of t en h a v e u n i qu e r equ i r em en t s,

a n d t h e a bi l i t y t o cu st om i se f l oor i n g

sol u t i on s ca n be a bi g a dv a n t a ge

Su ppl i er s w h o of f er t a i l or ed sol u t i on s ca n

h el p h ou si n g a ssoci a t i on s a n d/ or

cou n ci l s a ch i ev e t h ei r speci f i c a est h et i c

a n d f u n ct i on a l goa l s

A v a i l a b i l i t y a n d l e a d t i m e s

On -t i m e d el i v er i es k eep a p r oj ect on

s ch ed u l e s o ev a l u a t i n g i n v en t or y l ev el s

a n d l ea d t i m es en s u r es f l oor i n g w i l l b e

a v a i l a b l e w h en n eed ed R el i a b l e

con t r a ct or s s h ou l d h a v e t r a n s p a r en t

l ea d t i m es a n d con t i n g en cy p l a n s t o h a n d l e a n y d el a y s

I n s t a l l a t i o n a n d a f t e r - s a l e s s e r v i c e

T h e q u a l i t y of i n s t a l l a t i on i s a s i m p or t a n t

a s t h e q u a l i t y of t h e f l oor i n g i t s el f A

p r of es s i on a l con t r a ct or w i l l en s u r e t h a t

t h e f l oor i n g i s l a i d cor r ect l y a n d

ef f i ci en t l y A f t er -s a l es s er v i ce, i n cl u di n g

w a r r a n t i es a n d m a i n t en a n ce s u p p or t i s

a l s o cr u ci a l , a l on g w i t h com p r eh en s i v e

a f t er -s a l es s u p p or t t o dea l w i t h a n y

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s er v i c e d i v i s i o n

HOUSING & REGENERATION ROUND UP

British

gypsum launches 100% recycled plasterboard

British Gypsum, part of Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions has unveiled Gyproc SoundBloc Inﬁnaé 100, providing the industry with the ﬁrst UK manufactured plasterboard made from 100% recycled gypsum and setting a new benchmark for sustainable construction

This innovation is the result of a new industrial process Plasterboard waste from construction sites is transformed into high-quality plasterboard, supporting the circular economy and helping construction companies achieve their sustainability targets

It builds on the success of British Gypsum’s plasterboard recycling service Contractors can sign up for British Gypsum to collect new build waste and scrap from not only new British Gypsum plasterboard but also Gyproc Driwall Adhesive and most Thistle plasters

The launch of Gyproc SoundBloc Infinaé 100 recycled plasterboard is another UK first sustainability initiative from British Gypsum, which is committed to reaching Net Zero Carbon by 2050 In 2024, British Gypsum also became the first building materials manufacturer in UK construction to partner with The Pallet LOOP, a circular economy pallet supplier Increasingly, British Gypsum goods such as Gyproc and Glasroc are shipped on easily identifiable, green-coloured LOOP pallets, in a bid to radically reduce avoidable pallet waste

n For further details on British Gypsum’s commitments to sustainability, visit www rdr link/lav004

New natural insulation

Ecological Building Systems has introduced an exciting new type of sustainable insulation to the UK and Ireland

Gramitherm is the ﬁrst insulation to be produced from grass, which is sourced from public parks and grass verges, combined with recycled jute ﬁbres, plus a recycled polyester binder, to produce one of the most sustainable forms of insulation on the market and is exclusively available from Ecological Building Systems in the UK and Ireland

Resistant to mould, Gramitherm has natural hygroscopic properties which helps to regulate humidity within the building envelope and enhance breathability

The innovative new product has secured an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) which demonstrates that 1kg of Gramitherm sequesters 1 5kg of CO², equivalent post production making it a highly eﬃcient and ecofriendly insulation choice

As well as an EPD, Gramitherm holds European Technical Approval conﬁrming compliance with relevant standards and its sustainability credentials and low environmental impact As a natural, sustainable product, it is carbon negative (cradle to gate) and has achieved A+ ratings in VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) emission tests Highly sustainable, each hectare of grass can produce 200m³ of insulation Containing over 90% biobased content, Gramitherm materials are sourced from within 300km of the manufacturer, therefore reducing transport emissions and lowering its carbon footprint The production process is also highly sustainable, utilising heat from biogas, a by-product of grass fermentation, for drying

Extremely versatile it can be installed in rafters, joists, walls, ceilings and ﬂoors

The insulation is both flexible and rigid, ensuring a snug fit, without settlement It has a high density of 40 kg/m³ due to the unique fibrous structure of grass

Gramitherm also has excellent acoustic properties, absorbing 99 per cent of sounds at 1000 hertz, therefore reducing noise transmission This makes it compatible with creating quiet and comfortable indoor environments

n For more details visit www.rdr.link/lav005

New 150mm cavity closer system as demand grows for wider cavities

Eurocell, the UK’s leading manufacturer and distributor of PVC-U building products, has introduced its advanced 150mm Cavalok cavity closer system, this evolved design builds on the original 150mm system to support housebuilders as they embrace the “fabric ﬁrst” approach amid a growing demand towards wider cavities

Eurocell’s investment in 150mm Cavalok cavity closers is directly aligned with this industry shift, allowing builders to meet and exceed future carbon reduction targets through improved thermal performance This wider cavity system supports reduced heat loss - one of the largest sources of energy ineﬃciency in homes The 150mm Cavalok cavity closer system has been reﬁned through rigorous trials to meet the evolving demands of housebuilders and regulators

150mm cavities play a crucial role in the "fabric first" approach by significantly increasing a building's insulation capacity, allowing housebuilders to achieve greater energy efficiency through the structure itself This strategy enables housebuilders to meet the 31% carbon reduction targets of Part L21 and prepares them for the 75% reduction target anticipated with Part L25 By enhancing U-values with thicker, wellinsulated walls, heat loss can be reduced by up to 35% through walls alone, minimising the reliance on additional renewable technologies

NorDan Launches 30-Year Warranty for StormGuard Range

NorDan UK is now providing a 30year ‘ﬁt and forget’ warranty on its StormGuard range of aluminium clad timber framed windows

NorDan UK says that, while its windows have already become popular with housing associations building new homes, the addition of the 30-year warranty makes StormGuard a costeffective choice for landlords refurbishing and retrofitting properties, giving additional benefits of warmer homes and reduced whole life carbon

While traditional PVC units usually only last 10 to 15 years and require regular maintenance, StormGuard can last much longer, with some original units from the range's 1960s launch, still in use today

The range was created following traditional Scandinavian window design and is built from engineered timber using advanced vacuum impregnation to maximise durability, even from the harshest elements It prevents corrosion in environments by the sea or in areas with high levels of pollution

With the Chartered Institute of Housing reporting that 68% of social housing residents were worried about being able to meet normal monthly living expenses all or most of the time, it is evident that the cost-of-living crisis is having a significant impact on many occupants. Considering this, Jeremy Palmer, General Manager at Drayton, discusses why it is essential that residents have access to fit-for-purpose heating controls that can help them to become more energy efficient, which in tur n can help to save them money

Improving energy efficiency in social housing

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The UK’s social housing sector is undergoing a significant transformation as it works to decarbonise its heat and hot water systems Not only is there a need to support the country’s net zero targets by 2050, but improving energy efficiency is essential to address growing concerns about fuel poverty and rising energy costs. Tom Brough, GTC Sales & Marketing Director investigates.

H e a t n e t w o r k s : t h e l o w - c a r b o n

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i n d i v i d u a l a i r s ou r ce h ea t p u m p

F or s oci a l h ou s i n g p r ov i d er s , h ea t

n et w or k s of f er a m a j or a d v a n t a g e b y

cu t t i n g t h e n eed f or ex p en s i v e,

i n d i v i d u a l h ea t i n g op t i on s i n ea ch

h om e I n s t ea d , w h ol e com m u n i t i es ca n

b e s er v ed w i t h on e r el i a b l e, cl ea n

h ea t i n g s ol u t i on T h i s i s es p eci a l l y

i m p or t a n t f or m eet i n g t h e

g ov er n m en t ’ s M i n i m u m E n er g y

E f f i ci en cy St a n d a r d s H ea t n et w or k s

h el p s oci a l l a n d l or d s m eet t h es e

“For social housing provider s , heat networ ks offer a major advantage by cutting the need for expensive, individual heating options in each home”

s t a n d a r d s b y d eca r b on i s i n g h ea t i n g

s y s t em s a t s ca l e, w h i ch i s v i t a l t o

a ch i ev e t h e r eq u i r ed E n er g y

P er f or m a n ce C er t i f i ca t e ( E P C ) r a t i n g of

C b y 2 0 3 0

T h e a d d ed b en ef i t o f G T C ’ s

N et w o r k ed G r o u n d S o u r c e H ea t P u m p

s o l u t i o n i s i t s i n t eg r a t i o n w i t h s m a r t

t h er m o s t a t c o n t r o l l er s f r o m i t s s i s t er

c o m p a n y P a s s i v U K , a l l o w i n g

r es i d en t s t o o p t i m i s e en er g y u s a g e,

t r a c k t h ei r en er g y c o n s u m p t i o n , a n d a d j u s t , c o n t r i b u t i n g t o a m o r e

s u s t a i n a b l e l i f es t y l e a n d a c h i ev i n g

d eep er f i n a n c i a l s a v i n g s

W h a t ’ s m o r e, C o m m u n i t y H ea t H u b s

a n d N et w o r k ed G r o u n d S o u r c e H ea t

P u m p s o l u t i o n s a r e d es i g n ed , b u i l t ,

o w n ed , o p er a t ed a n d m a i n t a i n ed b y

t h e r eg u l a t ed u t i l i t y i n f r a s t r u c t u r e

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

u l t i m a t e s i m p l i c i t y T h i s m ea n s t h a t a l l

s er v i c e a n d m a i n t en a n c e r eq u i r ed o n

t h e n et w o r k , u p t o a n d i n c l u d i n g t h e

h ea t i n t er f a c e u n i t s o r g r o u n d s o u r c e

h ea t p u m p s h o u s ed w i t h i n ea c h

p r o p er t y, i s t a k en c a r e o f b y t h e

i n f r a s t r u c t u r e t ea m

B y p r ov i d i n g a s h a r ed , com m u n i t yw i d e h ea t i n g s y s t em , t h es e h ea t n et w or k s a r e n ot on l y F u t u r e H om es

St a n d a r d -r ea d y, b u t t h ey en a b l e s oci a l h ou s i n g p r ov i d er s t o d el i v er h ea t a n d

h ot w a t er r eq u i r em en t s f or en t i r e es t a t es ef f i ci en t l y, w h i l e m eet i n g w i d er en v i r on m en t a l a n d r eg u l a t or y g oa l s A s t h e p r es s u r e t o r ed u ce ca r b on em i s s i on s m ou n t s , t h e i n t eg r a t i on of l ow -ca r b on h ea t n et w or k s i s s et t o b ecom e a m or e com m on f ea t u r e i n

s oci a l h ou s i n g d ev el op m en t s

n More details on GTC can be found at : www rdr link/lav009

Hybrid heating systems: bridging the gap in the public sector

The gover nment estimates that direct emissions from public sector buildings account for around 2% of the UK's total emissions. The main source of emissions in these buildings is natural gas for heating purposes. Transitioning to decarbonised heating systems is therefore fundamentally important in reducing overall emissions in the public sector. Decarbonising heating has been primarily focussed on the replacement of natural gas boilers with heat pumps which are up to a third more efficient than gas boilers, so require less energy to run Chris Caton, Product Director –Commercial, at Ideal Heating, looks at a possible compromise.

Pu b l i c S e c t o r

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

T h e P u b l i c S ec t o r

D ec a r b o n i s a t i o n S c h em e

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i n 2 0 2 5 / 2 6

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t h i s r ep r es en t t h e en d o f t h e r o a d f o r

t h ei r d ec a r b o n i s ed h ea t i n g p l a n s?

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a r e u n l i k el y t o b e a b l e t o a f f o r d t o i m p l em en t a t r u l y d ec a r b o n i s ed

h ea t i n g s o l u t i o n b a s ed o n r en ew a b l es

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h ea t i n g s y s t em

H y b r i d h e a t i n g s y s t e m s e x p l a i n e d

A h y b r i d s y s t em es s en t i a l l y h a s h ea t

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i s r ecei v i n g a l ot of i n t er es t a n d i s on e

of t h e r ea s on s w e d es i g n ed ou r

E C OM OD h ea t p u m p s w i t h t h e

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I d ea l H ea t i n g s ol u t i on s

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p u m p s h a v e a l l t h e con n ect i v i t y

r eq u i r ed t o i n t er f a ce w i t h t h e b u i l d i n g

m a n a g em en t s y s t em on s i t e

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b e n e f i t s

H y b r i d h ea t i n g s y s t em s h el p b r i d g e t h e

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

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w h o h a v e n o t b een s u c c es s f u l w i t h

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h i g h c a p i t a l c o s t

I n a d d i t i o n , m eet i n g t h e h ea t l o a d o f

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h ea t i n g s y s t em p r o v i d es m o r e

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A s p a r t of i t s s u s t a i n a b i l i t y s t r a t eg y t h a t

em b r a ces r es p on s i b l e en er g y

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S ch ool i n S h ef f i el d h a s t a k en t h i s h y b r i d

a p p r oa ch T h ey h a v e i n s t a l l ed t w o I d ea l

H ea t i n g C om m er ci a l E C OM OD 1 4 kW a i r

s ou r ce h ea t p u m p s r u n n i n g i n a

h y d r a u l i c ca s ca d e T h es e h a v e b een

i n s t a l l ed a l on g s i d e t w o w a l l h u n g

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a n d com f or t a l l y ea r r ou n d

C o n c l u s i o n

T h e P S D S i s a n excel l en t s ch em e b u t a s

w i t h s eem i n g l y ev er y t h i n g i n t h e p u b l i c

s ect or, t h er e ’ s s i m p l y n ot en ou g h m on ey

t o g o a r ou n d a n d m a n y or g a n i s a t i on s

w i l l b e l ef t d i s a p p oi n t ed w h en t h e

r es u l t s of P h a s e 4 a r e a n n ou n ced B u t

d eca r b on i s a t i on a s p i r a t i on s d on ’ t h a v e

t o en d t h er e B y a d op t i n g a h y b r i d

h ea t i n g s y s t em a p p r oa ch , p u b l i c s ect or

b od i es ca n b r i d g e t h e g a p b et w een

f os s i l f u el a n d d eca r b on i s ed h ea t i n g

s y s t em s w i t h ou t t h e h ef t y p r i ce t a g of

t h e l a t t er

The transition to renewable energy is reshaping industries worldwide, and the heating sector is no exception As environmental concerns take centre stage, innovative solutions are being developed to meet the growing demand for efficient and sustainable heating systems Here, with the help of The Electric Heating Company, we look at how electric boilers offer a renewable-powered heating solution designed for modern homes and buildings.

Embracing Renewable Energy in Heating: The Future of Sustainable Solutions

Th e N e e d f o r R e n e w a b l e

E n e r g y i n H e a t i n g

H ea t i n g h a s l on g b een a

s i g n i f i ca n t con t r i b u t or t o

g l ob a l ca r b on em i s s i on s , w i t h

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f os s i l f u el s A ccor d i n g t o t h e U K

g ov er n m en t , h ea t i n g a ccou n t s f or

n ea r l y a t h i r d of t h e cou n t r y ’ s ca r b on

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n et -z er o t a r g et s , t r a n s i t i on i n g t o

r en ew a b l e en er g y f or h ea t i n g i s cr u ci a l

t o r ed u ci n g t h i s en v i r on m en t a l i m p a ct

Sol ar ph ot ov ol t ai c ( P V ) t ech n ol ogy h as em er ged as a k ey pl ay er i n t h i s

t r an sf or m at i on B y h ar n essi n g t h e pow er

of t h e su n , P V sy st em s pr ov i de a cl ean an d su st ai n abl e en er gy sou r ce t h at can be i n t egr at ed i n t o m oder n h eat i n g sy st em s Th ese sol u t i on s n ot on l y r edu ce car bon f oot pr i n t s bu t al so l ow er en er gy

cost s f or h ou seh ol ds an d bu si n esses

Th e El ect r i c Heat i n g Com pan y ’ s Com et P V El ect r i c B oi l er i s a cu t t i n g-edge

sol u t i on t h at em bodi es t h e f u t u r e of r en ew abl e h eat i n g Desi gn ed t o w or k

seam l essl y w i t h sol ar P V pan el s, t h i s

i n n ov at i v e boi l er con v er t s sol ar en er gy

i n t o ef f i ci en t h eat i n g f or h om es an d bu i l di n gs Av ai l abl e i n

“Gover nment initiatives play a vital role in accelerating the adoption of renewa ble heating systems ”

w i t h s ol a r P V s y s t em s T h i s en s u r es

t h a t exces s en er gy gen er a t ed by t h e

p a n el s i s u t i l i s ed ef f i ci en t l y,

m i n i m i s i n g r el i a n ce on gr i d el ect r i ci t y

B y m a x i m i s i n g t h e u s e of r en ew a bl e en er gy, h om eow n er s ca n a ch i ev e

s i gn i f i ca n t s a v i n gs on en er gy bi l l s

2 . Z er o C a r b on E m i s s i on s : Op er a t i n g

s ol el y on el ect r i ci t y, t h e C om et P V

E l ect r i c B oi l er p r od u ces n o ca r b on

em i s s i on s , a l i g n i n g p er f ect l y w i t h t h e

U K ’ s n et -z er o g oa l s B y i n t eg r a t i n g

t h i s s y s t em , h ou s eh ol d s ca n

s i g n i f i ca n t l y r ed u ce t h ei r en v i r on m en t a l i m p a ct

3 S m a r t C on t r ol a n d M on i t or i n g :

E q u i p p ed w i t h a d v a n ced s m a r t

con t r ol f ea t u r es , t h e b oi l er a l l ow s

u s er s t o m a n a g e h ea t i n g s ch ed u l es , m on i t or en er g y con s u m p t i on , a n d

a d j u s t s et t i n g s r em ot el y v i a a n

i n t u i t i v e a p p T h i s n ot on l y en h a n ces con v en i en ce b u t a l s o en s u r es op t i m a l en er g y ef f i ci en cy

4 . Ver s a t i l i t y i n H ea t i n g A p p l i ca t i on s : T h e boi l er ’ s a bi l i t y t o m a n a ge m u l t i p l e

h ea t i n g ci r cu i t s s i m u l t a n eou s l y m a k es

i t s u i t a bl e f or di v er s e a p p l i ca t i on s ,

i n cl u di n g u n der f l oor h ea t i n g, w et r a di a t or s , a n d w a r m a i r s y s t em s T h i s

f l ex i bi l i t y en s u r es t h a t i t m eet s t h e

n eeds of v a r i ou s p r op er t y t y p es a n d

u s er p r ef er en ces

5 . E n h a n ced S a f et y a n d R el i a b i l i t y : W i t h

f ea t u r es l i k e a u t om a t i c a n t i -l eg i on el l a p r ot ect i on , w ea t h er com p en s a t i on ,

a n d v i r t u a l l y s i l en t op er a t i on , t h e

C om et P V E l ect r i c B oi l er of f er s a

s a f e, r el i a b l e, a n d com f or t a b l e

h ea t i n g ex p er i en ce E x t en d ed

w a r r a n t y op t i on s f u r t h er a d d t o i t s

a p p ea l f or h om eow n er s s eek i n g l on g -

t er m s ol u t i on s

P o l i c y S u p p o r t a n d C o n s u m e r

I n c e n t i v e s

Gov er n m en t i n i t i a t i v es p l a y a v i t a l r ol e

i n a ccel er a t i n g t h e a d op t i on of

r en ew a b l e h ea t i n g s y s t em s W h i l e t h e

D om es t i c R en ew a b l e H ea t I n cen t i v e

( R H I ) s ch em e en d ed i n M a r ch 2 0 2 2 , t h e

U K ’ s B oi l er U p g r a d e S ch em e n ow

p r ov i d es g r a n t s f or t ech n ol og i es l i k e

h ea t p u m p s a n d b i om a s s b oi l er s

A d d i t i on a l l y, t h e u p com i n g C l ea n

H ea t M a r k et M ech a n i s m , s et t o l a u n ch

i n A p r i l 2 0 2 5 , a i m s t o f u r t h er s u p p or t

l ow -ca r b on h ea t i n g t ech n ol og i es A s

a w a r en es s of r en ew a b l e h ea t i n g g r ow s ,

t ech n ol og i es l i k e P V el ect r i c b oi l er s w i l l

l i k el y g a i n f u r t h er r ecog n i t i on a n d

s u p p or t

E d u c a t i n g a n d E m p o w e r i n g

C o n s u m e r s

R a i s i n g con s u m er a w a r en es s a b ou t

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a n d f i n a n ci a l b en ef i t s of s w i t ch i n g t o

r en ew a b l e s y s t em s C om p a n i es l i k e T h e

E l ect r i c H ea t i n g C om p a n y a r e a t t h e

f or ef r on t of t h i s ed u ca t i on a l ef f or t ,

p r ov i d i n g r es ou r ces a n d s u p p or t t o h el p

con s u m er s m a k e i n f or m ed d eci s i on s

T h e F u t u r e o f H e a t i n g : R e n e w a b l e

a n d R e s i l i e n t

A s t h e U K con t i n u es i t s j ou r n ey t ow a r d s

a s u s t a i n a b l e f u t u r e, r en ew a b l e en er g y w i l l p l a y a cen t r a l r ol e i n r es h a p i n g t h e

h ea t i n g i n d u s t r y Tech n ol og i es l i k e t h e

C om et P V E l ect r i c B oi l er r ep r es en t a

s i g n i f i ca n t s t ep f or w a r d , com b i n i n g ef f i ci en cy, v er s a t i l i t y, a n d en v i r on m en t a l r es p on s i b i l i t y i n a s i n g l e s ol u t i on B y em b r a ci n g s u ch i n n ov a t i on s , w e ca n r ed u ce ou r ca r b on f oot p r i n t , l ow er en er g y cos t s , a n d cr ea t e a g r een er, m or e s u s t a i n a b l e w or l d

T h e f u t u r e of h ea t i n g i s h er e, a n d i t i s r en ew a b l e

n For more on The Electric Heating Company please go to: www.rdr.link/lav011

HEATING & RENEWABLE ENERGy ROUNd UP

Honeywell Home Thermostatic Radiator Valve of the circa two million people in the UK living with sight loss – a number which is predicted to double by 2050 – being able to read, interpret and ultimately adjust heating controls such as Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs) may be a real challenge

To help provide a solution, Resideo has introduced a heating control solution speciﬁcally designed for the challenges consumers with a vision impairment experience

The new Honeywell Home Thera-6 Thermostatic Radiator Valve (TRV) VI has been developed for those with sight loss and comes with embossed numbers, clear set points and an easy to grip handle to help people with a vision impairment control the room temperature in their home with ease

n For more information about Resideo’s energy eﬃcient products and services, visit www.rdr.link/lav012

Spirotech launches Spiropure solution for demineralised water

Spirotech, has expanded its range of solutions with the introduction of SpiroPure for demineralised water in heating systems SpiroPure conditions the water of heating or cooling systems, removing unwanted substances such as calcium and magnesium ions as well as salts This is achieved thanks to the resin beads, found at the heart of the SpiroPure solution

These resins comprise of positively and negatively charged beads, which attract the unwanted positive and negative ions in the water and exchange them with useful and safe ions The resin beads will change colour over time as they become depleted and replacement resin beads are available

By conditioning the water and removing these unwanted salts and minerals, the conductivity of the water decreases while the pH value is increased, helping to maintain system health, prevent corrosion and keep the system running at its most eﬃcient

n SpiroPure is available for both domestic and commercial systems. For more information visit www.rdr.link/lav013

Compact boiler cascade

Hamworthy Heating include in their comprehensive product range the Stratton mk3 wall-hung condensing boiler When installed on a Hamworthy low height frame and header kit, outputs from 40-70kW oﬀer the most compact cascade conﬁguration available on the market

Stratton mk3 boilers feature a compact footprint, with models up to 70kW measuring only 487w x 577d x 764h Moreover, when fitted to a Hamworthy Heating low-height frame and header kit, Stratton mk3 boilers benefit from a height of only 1474mm from the floor to the top of the boiler flue connection

These dimensions make a Stratton mk3 cascade the perfect solution for plantrooms where available height and footprint space is limited

Offering a compact solution with outstanding efficiency, installing a Stratton cascade also provides several benefits over using one large boiler

By allowing multiple boilers to work together for an efficient and flexible solution, a Stratton mk3 cascade also offers added protection against breakdown and system failure

Suitable for new and retrofit installations, Stratton mk3 wall-hung condensing boilers offer a 5:1 turndown ratio, excellent low-class 6 NOx emission across all models, and up to 97% gross seasonal efficiency Featuring a durable stainless steel heat exchanger for longevity, all Stratton mk3 boilers offer exceptional system tolerance and are backed by a fiveyear heat exchanger warranty

n For more information, please visit: www.rdr.link/lav014

Baxi unveils new Remeha by Baxi Quinta Ace commercial boiler series Baxi has announced the arrival of the new Remeha by Baxi Quinta Ace high performance boiler series, now available with aluminium and stainless-steel heat exchanger options Billed as the ‘ energy transition boiler’, the new Quinta Ace builds on its reputation for best-in-class reliability, high-quality performance and ease of installation with newly added features for a futureproof heating system

The new Quinta Ace will include an all-new optional gas adaptive kit for biogas to support the transition towards a net zero heating system Sustainability has been prioritised in the new-look premium design to achieve a reduced life cycle assessment (LCA) using a lower carbon ABS plastic boiler cover and recycled packaging and updated manuals

The next generation Quinta Ace is available in 15 outputs from 30 to 160 kW (up to 1,200 kW in cascade), with a choice of aluminium or stainless-steel heat exchanger For ease of speciﬁcation, installation, operation and maintenance, the new Quinta Ace range uses the same Ace control platform, the same performance level controls, and the same standardised cascade sets and ﬂue systems Fully backwards compatible for ease of replacement, the new Quinta Ace is supported by a 7-year warranty and year-round 24/7 customer support

Programmable room thermostat developed for the future

UK based heating controls manufacturer, ESi Controls, has upgraded its most popular product, the ESRTP4RF+ programmable room thermostat, and developed ESRTP4RFW The new version is WiFi compatible when combined with the ESi WiFi Hub (ESWIFIHUB) Both versions – the original ESRTP4RF+ and the new ESRTP4RFW – are available, oﬀering maximum choice and versatility for installers and homeowners alike

The ESRTP4RFW is compatible with gas, electric, oil and LPG boilers It gives the option of choosing 24-hour, seven-day or ﬁve/two-day programming and either four or six daily temperature options It comes with a standard three-year warranty

In n o v a t i o n k e y t o s o l v i n g

d a m p a n d m o u l d p r o b l e m s

i n s o c i a l h o u s i n g

In this article, we speak with Dr Alex Boote from ARC Building Solutions, who examines more closely the underlying problems that lead to the development of damp and mould issues, the need for innovation to be more widely adopted and why Awaab’s law is only the beginning in the fight against damp and mould.

Mou l d a n d d a m p i n U K

h ou s i n g con t i n u es t o b e a

m a j or i s s u e a f f ect i n g s oci a l

a n d p r i v a t e l a n d l or d s W i t h

con s eq u en ces r a n g i n g f r om s t r u ct u r a l

d a m a g e t o s er i ou s h ea l t h con cer n s f or

i t s occu p a n t s , t h e r ep er cu s s i on s of t h i s

p r ob l em a r e f a r r ea ch i n g W h i l e

l eg i s l a t i v e ef f or t s t o cor r ect t h i s i s s u e

a r e u n d er w a y, en a b l i n g t h e R eg u l a t or

of S oci a l H ou s i n g t o b e m or e a ct i v e i n

t h ei r i n v es t i g a t i on a n d r eg u l a t i on of t h e

q u a l i t y of h om es a n d s er v i ces , m or e

m u s t b e d on e t o t a ck l e t h e r oot ca u s e

of t h e p r ob l em

T h e d a n g er s of d a m p a n d m ou l d

w er e t h r u s t i n t o s h a r p f ocu s i n 2 0 2 0,

w h en t w o-y ea r ol d A w a a b I s h a k d i ed

i n a s oci a l h ou s i n g p r op er t y i n

R och d a l e T h e cor on er ’ s r ep or t l a t er

con cl u d ed t h a t h i s d ea t h w a s ca u s ed

b y a r es p i r a t or y con d i t i on a s a r es u l t

of ex p os u r e t o m ou l d N ot on l y w a s

t h i s t r a g ed y en t i r el y p r ev en t a b l e, i t

w a s a l s o a s a d i n d i ct m en t of t h e

u n s u i t a b l e con d i t i on s m a n y f a m i l i es

a r e l i v i n g i n

A w a a b’ s p a r en t s h a d r a i s ed

con cer n s a b ou t t h e con d i t i on of t h ei r

h om e on n u m er ou s occa s i on s , b u t

n ot h i n g w a s ev er d on e T h e d ea t h

s p a r k ed s t r i d en t ca l l s f or r ef or m ,

r es u l t i n g i n A w a a b’ s l a w , a l a n d m a r k

p i ece of l eg i s l a t i on t h a t r eq u i r es

l a n d l or d s t o i n v es t i g a t e a n d f i x

r ep or t ed h ea l t h h a z a r d s w i t h i n

s p eci f i ed t i m ef r a m es T h e n ew r u l es

w i l l f or m p a r t of t h e t en a n cy

a g r eem en t , s o t h a t t en a n t s ca n h ol d

l a n d l or d s t o a ccou n t b y l a w i f t h ey f a i l

t o p r ov i d e a d ecen t h om e

U n d e r s t a n d i n g D a m p a n d M o u l d

T h er e a r e m a n y ca u s es of d a m p a n d

m ou l d f or m a t i on I n i t s m os t com m on

f or m , m ou l d p r ol i f er a t es i n i n d oor

en v i r on m en t s w h er e m oi s t u r e a n d h ea t

a r e t r a p p ed T h i s ca n occu r f or a

m u l t i t u d e of r ea s on s , i n cl u d i n g b u i l d i n g

f a u l t s , s t r u ct u r a l i s s u es , i n a d eq u a t e

i n s u l a t i on a n d p oor v en t i l a t i on a n d ca n

occu r a s a r es u l t of ev er y d a y t a s k s l i k e

cook i n g a n d b a t h i n g

R i s i n g en er g y cos t s a r e a l s o a

con t r i b u t i n g f a ct or I n w el l i n s u l a t ed ,

w el l h ea t ed p r op er t i es , b l a ck m ou l d

s el d om f or m s B u t , a s m or e h ou s eh ol d s

s eek t o r ed u ce en er g y u s a g e t o s a v e

m on ey, l ow er i n d oor t em p er a t u r es

ex a cer b a t e t h e r i s k of m ou l d a n d d a m p

f or m a t i on , p a r t i cu l a r l y d u r i n g t h e col d er

m on t h s w h er e p r op er t i es a r en ’ t

v en t i l a t ed a s f r eq u en t l y Tog et h er, t h es e

i s s u es com p ou n d t h e p r ob l em , l ea v i n g

m or e h om es , a n d m or e r es i d en t s ,

v u l n er a b l e

T h e m u l t i t u d e of r oot ca u s es a l s o

m a k es a s ol u t i on m or e d i f f i cu l t t o f i n d ,

w h er e a b a l a n ce of f a ct or s m u s t b e

con s i d er ed t o g et t h e b es t r es u l t s T h i s

h a s b een d em on s t r a t ed i n t h e

l eg i s l a t i v e f r a m ew or k T h e

Gov er n m en t ’ s E n er g y C om p a n y

Ob l i g a t i on ( E C O) s ch em e f or ex a m p l e,

f ocu s s es on i m p r ov i n g t h e i n s u l a t i on

a n d en er g y ef f i ci en cy of t h e U K

h ou s i n g s t ock E s s en t i a l t o a ch i ev i n g i t s

a m b i t i ou s n et z er o t a r g et s , t h i s ‘ f a b r i c

f i r s t ’ a p p r oa ch f ocu s es on i n s u l a t i n g

ol d er h om es H ow ev er, t h i s f a i l ed t o

a ccou n t f or v en t i l a t i on , w h i ch l ed t o a

w h ol e h os t of d a m p a n d m ou l d r el a t ed

i s s u es W h i l e t h i s h a s s u b s eq u en t l y

b een a d d r es s ed b y t h e l a t es t PA S 2 0 3 5

s t a n d a r d , w h i ch i n cl u d es a r eq u i r ed

v en t i l a t i on s t r a t eg y, i t s er v es a s a

r em i n d er t o s t a k eh ol d er s a cr os s t h e

i n d u s t r y, t h a t d ea l i n g w i t h d a m p a n d

m ou l d i s a com p l ex i s s u e, r eq u i r i n g a con s i d er a t i on of m u l t i p l e f a ct or s

T h e R o l e o f I n n o v a t i o n

A d d r es s i n g d a m p a n d m ou l d f or m a t i on

i s a com p l ex ch a l l en g e t h a t r eq u i r es

t a i l or ed s ol u t i on s b a s ed on s p eci f i c

ca u s es T h er e a r e n o q u i ck f i xes , a n d

ef f ect i v e s t r a t eg i es w i l l v a r y f r om ca s e

t o ca s e H ow ev er, on e u n d en i a b l e

f a ct or i n t a ck l i n g t h i s i s s u e i s t h e r ol e of

i n n ov a t i on B y em b r a ci n g n ew

t ech n ol og i es a n d a p p r oa ch es , w e ca n n ot on l y com b a t d a m p a n d m ou l d b u t

a l s o d r i v e s t a n d a r d s f or w a r d , p r om ot e

b es t p r a ct i ces , a n d en h a n ce l i v i n g

con d i t i on s f or r es i d en t s

I m p r ov i n g con d i t i on s r el a t ed t o

d a m p a n d m ou l d s h ou l d b e a n a b s ol u t e

p r i or i t y S u cces s f u l b u i l d i n g d es i g n i s a

col l a b or a t i v e ef f or t , r ei n f or ci n g t h e

i m p or t a n ce of u n i t y a m on g v a r i ou s

s t a k eh ol d er s T h i s i n cl u d es n ot on l y

t h os e w i t h i n t h e con s t r u ct i on i n d u s t r y

b u t a l s o k ey p l a y er s i n g ov er n m en t , a ca d em i a , a n d t h e b r oa d er i n d u s t r y

C ol l a b or a t i on a cr os s t h es e s ect or s i s

es s en t i a l f or d ev el op i n g i m p a ct f u l

s ol u t i on s t h a t a d d r es s t h e r oot ca u s es

of d a m p a n d m ou l d

L egi sl a t i v e m ea su r es su ch a s t h e

Soci a l H ou si n g A ct a n d A w a a b’s L a w

r epr esen t posi t i v e st eps i n t h i s di r ect i on

Th ese l a w s a i m t o set st a n da r ds f or

h ou si n g qu a l i t y a n d pr ot ect r esi den t s f r om t h e da n ger s of da m p a n d m ou l d

H ow ev er, l egi sl a t i on a l on e i s n ot en ou gh

W e m u st pr i or i t i se edu ca t i on f or l a n dl or ds a n d h ou si n g pr ov i der s,

en su r i n g t h ey a r e w el l -i n f or m ed a bou t

t h e r i sk s a ssoci a t ed w i t h da m p a n d m ou l d a n d t h e n ecessa r y st eps t o

m i t i ga t e t h ese i ssu es

B y eq u i p p i n g s t a k eh ol d er s w i t h t h e

r i g h t t ool s a n d k n ow l ed g e, w e ca n

cr ea t e h ea l t h i er l i v i n g en v i r on m en t s

a n d el ev a t e ov er a l l s t a n d a r d s i n

h ou s i n g I n con cl u s i on , a con cer t ed

ef f or t a cr os s a l l s ect or s i s es s en t i a l t o

a d d r es s d a m p a n d m ou l d ef f ect i v el y, en s u r i n g t h a t ev er y r es i d en t ca n l i v e i n

a s a f e a n d com f or t a b l e h om e

It’s Time to Tackle the Social Housing Mould Crisis

By Mark Trowers, RMI National Manager, Zehnder Group UK

Mou l d i s b ecom i n g a n

u n a v oi d a b l e i s s u e i n U K

s oci a l h ou s i n g , a n d a s

s om eon e w h o h a s w or k ed i n

t h e i n d oor cl i m a t e s ect or f or ov er a

d eca d e, I f i n d t h e l a t es t s t a t i s t i cs

d eep l y con cer n i n g Ou r m os t r ecen t

s t u d y r ev ea l ed t h a t a s t a g g er i n g 9 9 2 %

of s oci a l l a n d l or d s a r e g r a p p l i n g w i t h

m ou l d i n t h ei r h ou s i n g s t ock , w h i l e

n ea r l y a t h i r d of t en a n t s a r e l i v i n g w i t h

m ou l d i n f i v e or m or e r oom s T h i s i s n ot

j u s t a m a i n t en a n ce h ea d a ch e; i t ’ s a

cr i s i s a f f ect i n g h ea l t h , q u a l i t y of l i f e,

a n d t h e v er y i n t eg r i t y of ou r h ou s i n g

I t ’ s t i m e f o r a f r es h a p p r o a c h

Tem p o r a r y f i x es a r en ’ t w o r k i n g , a n d

w e n eed t o r et h i n k h o w w e m a n a g e

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

a n d ed u c a t i o n

U n d e r s t a n d i n g t h e S c a l e o f t h e

P r o b l e m

h i s i s a w i d es p r ea d i s s u e M or e t h a n

1 0 % of l a n d l or d s i n ou r s t u d y a d m i t t ed

t h a t ov er h a l f of t h e h om es t h ey

m a n a g e h a v e m ou l d i s s u es F or

t en a n t s , t h e i m p a ct i s b ot h f a r -r ea ch i n g

a n d d eep l y p er s on a l B ed r oom s , l i v i n g

s p a ces , a n d ev en ch i l d r en ’ s r oom s a r e

f r eq u en t l y a f f ect ed - n ot j u s t t h e r oom s

s u ch a s b a t h r oom s a n d k i t ch en s t h a t w e m i g h t ex p ect

F or r es i d en t s , t h e em ot i on a l t ol l i s h ea v y Ou r r es ea r ch f ou n d t h a t 9 8 % a r e

w or r i ed a b ou t m ou l d i n t h ei r h om es

T h ey f ea r f or t h ei r h ea l t h , t h ei r

ch i l d r en ’ s s a f et y, a n d t h e d a m a g e t o

t h ei r b el on g i n g s S om e a r e ev en

con cer n ed t h ei r w a l l s or cei l i n g s m i g h t

g i v e w a y T h es e a r e n ot t r i v i a l w or r i es ;

t h ey r ef l ect t h e l i v ed r ea l i t y of

t h ou s a n d s of f a m i l i es a cr os s t h e U K

W h a t ’ s C a u s i n g M o u l d t o S p r e a d ?

W e n eed t o be cl ea r a bou t t h e r oot

ca u ses of t h i s i ssu e W h i l e m a n y

l a n dl or ds bl a m e t h e w ea t h er, a gei n g

pr oper t i es, or con den sa t i on , t h e t r u t h i s

t h a t poor v en t i l a t i on pl a y s a m a j or r ol e

Ev er y da y a ct i v i t i es l i k e cook i n g a n d

ba t h i n g, a l on g w i t h n a t u r a l pr ocesses

l i k e br ea t h i n g, ca n gen er a t e u p t o 24

pi n t s of w a t er v a pou r i n a si n gl e da y

W i t h ou t t h e cor r ect ba l a n ce of h ea t i n g & cor r ect l ev el s of a i r f l ow t h r ou gh t h e h ou se t o m a n a ge t h i s excess m oi st u r e, i t con den ses on col d su r f a ces, cr ea t i n g t h e per f ect con di t i on s f or m ou l d t o t h r i v e U n f or t u n a t el y, m a n y of t h e t a ct i cs b ei n g t r i ed t o s ol v e t h e p r ob l em a r en ’ t s u f f i ci en t a s a l on g -t er m s ol u t i on P a i n t i n g ov er m ou l d , a p p l y i n g a n t i -

f u n g a l s p r a y s , or a s k i n g t en a n t s t o

ch a n g e t h ei r h a b i t s m i g h t of f er s h or t -

t er m r el i ef , b u t t h es e a p p r oa ch es f a i l t o

t a ck l e t h e r oot ca u s es a n d i n s om e

ca s es a r e p u r el y cos m et i c I t ’ s n o

s u r p r i s e t h a t ov er h a l f of t h e l a n d l or d s

i n ou r s t u d y a d m i t t ed t h e m ou l d ca m e

b a ck a f t er t h ey t h ou g h t i t w a s d ea l t

w i t h , l ea v i n g t h em f r u s t r a t ed a n d s a d

T h e T e n a n t - L a n d l o r d G a p

On e of t h e b i g g es t ch a l l en g es w e f a ce i s

t h e d i s con n ect b et w een t en a n t s a n d

l a n d l or d s Ou r s t u d y r ev ea l ed t h a t 8 3 %

of t en a n t s h a v en ’ t r ep or t ed t h ei r m ou l d

p r ob l em s t o t h ei r l a n d l or d s , w h i l e

l a n d l or d s of t en f eel f r u s t r a t ed b y w h a t

t h ey p er cei v e a s t en a n t s ’ l a ck of u n d er s t a n d i n g a b ou t h ow t o k eep t h ei r h om e h ea l t h y a n d w el l v en t i l a t ed

P a r t of t h i s s t em s f r om a l a ck of t r u s t a n d com m u n i ca t i on , b u t ed u ca t i on a l s o

p l a y s a s i g n i f i ca n t r ol e F or ex a m p l e, ov er h a l f of t en a n t s a d m i t t ed t o t u r n i n g of f t h ei r ex t r a ct or f a n s a n d cl os i n g

t r i ck l e v en t s - t h ei r on l y s ou r ce of a i r

f l ow t h r ou g h t h e p r op er t y - b eca u s e

t h ey w or r y a b ou t n oi s e, cos t , or h ea t

l os s W h a t m a n y d on ’ t r ea l i s e i s t h a t m od er n f a n s ca n r u n q u i et l y a n d ef f i ci en t l y f or a s l i t t l e a s £ 1 6 5 a y ea r

T h e m o v em en t o f a i r t h r o u g h a

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

h u m i d i t y a n d p r ev en t i n g c o n d en s a t i o n

P r o p er v en t i l a t i o n en s u r es t h a t s t a l e,

m o i s t u r e-l a d en a i r i s c o n t i n u o u s l y

r ep l a c ed w i t h f r es h a i r, r ed u c i n g t h e

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w o r s e p r o b l em s

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t o b e a r m ed w i t h g r ea t er k n ow l ed g e

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n eed t h e t ool s a n d s u p p or t t o i m p l em en t l on g -t er m s ol u t i on s

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i n s t a l l i n g a f a n - i t ’ s a b o u t c r ea t i n g h o m es t h a t a r e s a f e, h ea l t h y, a n d f i t f o r t h e f u t u r e

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b ei n g a t t h e h ea r t o f o u r d ec i s i o n s - w e

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

VENTILATIoN & AIR MANAGEMENT RoUND

The low carbon solution:

UK ventilation manufacturer Domus Ventilation has announced that its industry leading ventilation ducting will now be manufactured primarily from recycled plastic

The company already uses 100% recycalate on its rectangular ducting and over 95% of its ﬁttings use 100% High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) which comes from post-consumer recycled plastic As part of the Genuit group, which has committed to have 62% of its ducting source material come from recycled plastics by Ventilation has now progr ducting range primarily fro Domus Ventilation duc round pipe, and Radial se and comes with a range o solving accessories It has been designed to work in harmony as part of a ventilation system and has been third party tested for end-to-end system performance

Nuaire launches new CIBSE approved Passivhaus CPD

Indoor air quality and ventilation manufacturing specialist Nuaire has released a new CIBSE approved CPD: An Introduction to Passivhaus

The CPD, which is aimed at the commercial market, focuses on the principles that define a Passivhaus and its ventilation criteria; the benefits of Passivhaus, especially in relation to net zero; along with a comprehensive understanding of the Passivhaus certification process The CPD can be delivered in-person or online by Nuaire ventilation experts who have completed certified Passivhaus Tradesperson Training

With buildings contributing signiﬁcantly to harmful carbon emissions, Passivhaus provides proven solutions to deliver net-zero-ready buildings that also provide a high level of occupant health and wellbeing Passivhaus adopts a whole-building approach with clear, measured targets, focused on highquality construction, certiﬁed through an exacting quality assurance process

For a building to achieve the Passivhaus Standard in the UK, a mechanical ventilation system with highly efficient heat recovery is typically required Nuaire provides Passivhaus certified Boxer Packages Solutions (BPS) air handling units and XBoXER XBC+ Passivhaus packaged heat recovery units These products have been rigorously independently tested under realistic conditions to ensure they meet the strict Passivhaus efficiency, thermal comfort, and indoor air quality criteria

n To ﬁnd out more about Nuaire’s Passivhaus certiﬁed products go to www rdr link/lav020

Elta Trade Introduces DEXA 150 Fan for Continuous Extraction in Residential Buildings

Elta Trade has announced the launch of the DEXA dMEV 150 fan, the latest addition to its growing portfolio of high-performance ventilation products Designed to meet the increasing demand for improved indoor air quality, the decentralised mechanical extract ventilation (dMEV) unit represents a signiﬁcant evolution in residential ventilation

The launch comes as local authorities and landlords across the UK look to combat condensation, damp and mould problems within homes, with North Tyneside Council issuing a new Condensation, Damp, and Mould Policy, and East Riding and Hull City Council running pilot projects to raise awareness of the issues

The DEXA dMEV 150 is a continuously running extract fan designed to remove stale or moisture-rich air from spaces such as bathrooms, kitchens and WCs, helping to minimise the risk of condensation With an airﬂow capacity of up to 50 l/s, the DEXA dMEV 150 exceeds minimum requirements outlined in Part F of the Building Regulations

Building on the success of the DEXA dMEV 100, the new DEXA dMEV 150 delivers increased airflow, enhanced versatility, and greater installation flexibility With a larger diameter and improved performance, the new fan caters to a wider range of applications Equipped with an energy-efficient EC motor, the DEXA dMEV 150 operates quietly while minimising power consumption

As regulations around air quality increasingly favour a continuous airﬂow strategy above an intermittent one, Elta’s latest oﬀering positions HVAC professionals and their clients ahead of the curve, providing future-proof compliance without compromising on performance

The DEXA dMEV 150 also features advanced automation, including an intelligent timer and humidity sensor, which automatically boosts airflow when needed It is designed for easy installation with flexible mounting options for walls, ceilings and windows making it an ideal choice for both retrofitting and new builds

STIEBEL ELTRON Unveils New Energy-Eﬃcient Ventilation Product – VRC

STIEBEL ELTRON UK has launched a new innovative ventilation system range which will bolster heat recovery eﬃciency in homes and supply clean air throughout a building The new VRC ventilation system range can dramatically improve a home’s heat retention, delivering up to 92% heat recovery in a property

The leading provider of renewable heating products designed the range with an emphasis on providing consumers with a flexible, affordable, and energy efficient ventilation system which can be adopted in all manner of domestic and light commercial buildings

The VRC range, marks STIEBEL ELTRON’s re-entry into the centralised Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) market, with the new range complementing the company ’ s decentralised systems oﬀering

As well as providing strong heat recovery in the winter, the VRC system range is designed to maintain comfortable temperatures in warmer months, coming equipped with a heat exchanger bypass mode to provide cooler, well-ventilated rooms in hotter temperatures The Enthalpy models also come equipped with active moisture control features to regulate indoor humidity, helping to reduce the build-up of damp and mould in a dwelling

Designed for maximum ease of installation and control, the units can be installed either left or right-handed with a simple on site adjustment Tailored for spaces up to 425 square metres, the VRC system features a detachable control panel that can be positioned up to 20 metres away from the unit, providing convenient control even if the unit is located in areas such as roof spaces or cupboards

Its lightweight casing further simpliﬁes installation, with the units requiring minimal maintenance as no tools are needed for servicing, and optional ﬁlter upgrades are available to reduce allergens and pollutants

Wi-Fi enabled, the VRC range is controlled via a user-friendly app, allowing users to change their ventilation settings via their phone Additionally, it integrates seamlessly with the same app used for the homeowner's STIEBEL ELTRON heat pump, enabling control of both devices from a single platform for added convenience

n The VRC range is available now, for more information, visit: www.rdr.link/lav022

Adver tisement index

a g e 1 8 )

w w w r d r l i n k / L AV 1 0 2

B P D / G l i d e v a l e ( p a g e 1 2 )

w w w r d r l i n k / L AV 1 0 3

M i t s u b i s h i ( p a g e 2 5 )

w w w r d r l i n k / L AV 1 0 4

N u a i r e ................................................................ ( p a g e 3 6 )

w w w r d r l i n k / L AV 1 0 5

P a n a s o n i c .......................................................... ( p a g e 2 8 )

w w w r d r l i n k / L AV 1 0 6

P r o B u i l d e r L i v e ( p a g e 4 ) w w w r d r l i n k / L AV 1 0 7

R o c k w o o l ...................................................... ( p a g e 2 / I F C )

w w w r d r l i n k / L AV 1 0 8

S a m u e l H e a t h & S o n s ( p a g e 2 1 )

w w w r d r l i n k / L AV 1 0 9

T h e E l e c t r i c H t g C o ( p a g e 9 )

w w w r d r l i n k / L AV 1 1 0

F o r a l l t h e l a t e s t n e w s a n d v i e w s c h e c k o u t l a b m o n l i n e . c o . u k

L O C A L A U T H O R I T Y B U I L D I N G& M A I N T E N A N C E

L A B M ’s w e b s i t e o f f e r s a n e s s e n t i a l i n f o r m a t i o n r e s o u r c e f o r l o c a l a u t h o r i t y a n d h o u s i n g

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

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

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

O n t h e w e b s i t e y o u ’ l l f i n d d e t a i l s o n a l l t h e l a t e s t f u n d i n g a n d r e g u l a t o r y u p d a t e s , s e c t o r a n n o u n c e m e n t s , c o n t r a c t a w a r d s a n d i n d u s t r y e v e n t s We s h a r e i n s i g h t a n d o p i n i o n f r o m

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

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

D o n ’ t f o r g e t t o f o l l o w u s o n Tw i t t e r @ la b mm a g a n d o n L i n k e d I n a t

w w w. li nke d in. c o m/ c o mp a ny / lo c al -a u t ho r it y -b u il di ng - m ai nt e na nce f o r a l l t h e l a t e s t s t o r i e s

Local Authority Building & Maintenance January/February 2025