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17th Feb 2012 Want to subscribe FREE? missed last weeks issue?

Ecobuild Preview

Altecnic at Ecobuild

Altecnic is launching its Heating Interface Unit (HIU) on stand N2246 at this year’s Ecobuild. The manufacturer and supplier is inviting visitors onto its stand to find out more about central plant systems, heat interface units and the benefits this new technology will offer for the construction and plumbing industry.
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Mumford & Wood at Ecobuild

Mumford & Wood has published The Guide, a brochure featuring window, door and garden room installations in both commercial and domestic projects, and the Technical Guide for timber window specification. Available on the Wood Window Alliance stand S1830 at Ecobuild, together with products from the Conservation range, the Guides are available to visitors free of charge on request.
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Free Wembley tickets

Visitors to Ecobuild between 20th and 22nd March will have the chance to win a pair of tickets at Wembley Stadium for the England v Belgium friendly international, as England go looking for some good form before the European Championships. Visit the Stelrad stand at EcoBuild – N1725 – and fill in a brief form, and you will be entered in the draw for the tickets. There’s one pair per day of the show so if you’re there for more than one day, get back there every day! Stelrad will be highlighting that there’s more to a radiator than you might have thought and explaining why choosing Stelrad radiators has just got even better value. www.stelrad.com

Adams Rite at Ecobuild

Adams Rite will be attending this year’s Ecobuild exhibition, as part of Assa Abloy Security Solutions, showcasing security products suitable for the sustainable design and construction market.
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Balcony Systems at Ecobuild

Viking Balcony Systems makes its debut on Stand S180 at Ecobuild 2012 with a range of glass balustrades, Juliet balconies and curved sliding patio doors.
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BBA at Ecobuild

The British Board of Agrément (BBA) is one of the few certification bodies selected to be a part of the UKAS Green Deal pilot programme covering the accreditation requirements for the certification of installers and advisors, and will be on hand at Ecobuild.
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CAB at Ecobuild

CAB is supporting Ecobuild (Stand N285) to highlight its central role in promoting aluminium as a sustainable 21st century material.
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Daikin at Ecobuild

Daikin will be exhibiting at Ecobuild on stand N1845.
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Dow at Ecobuild

Dow Building Solutions – manufacturer of Styrofoam extruded polystyrene (XPS) insulation – will use Ecobuild 2012 to introduce its latest generation insulation for inverted roofing, Xenergy SL, on stand N1251.
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Eco farm

Roof window manufacturer Fakro GB will be exhibiting at Ecobuild on stand N1530.
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Internorm at Ecobuid

Visitors to the Internorm stand at this year’s EcoBuild will find a range of Passive House windows and doors.
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Rainwater Harvesting at Ecobuild

Rainwaterharvesting.co.uk provides simple and practical systems to consumers and professionals, and is exhibiting at Ecobuild on stand S1860.
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Schueco at Ecobuild

Schueco UK, the lead sponsor of Ecobuild 2012, has major stands (N2940 and S310) in both halls.
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Unique Window Systems at Ecobuild 2012

Unique Window Systems will be at Ecobuild 2012 exhibiting its ranges of high-quality, sustainable PVC-U and architectural aluminium windows, doors and shop fronts for the commercial market, including its own Tufacade curtain walling system developed specially for this sector.
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Flushed away

Geberit will be at Ecobuild 2012 in March with a stand displaying its sanitary systems. Read the Rest Here

From Eco to Zed

ZEDfactory is back at Ecobuild 2012 with solarZED, which challenges received thinking on high density public transport provision by putting affordable solar-powered transport at the heart of sustainable development. Read the Rest Here

Sustainability floored

New ways of reusing carpet materials and offcuts will be showcased by Carpet Recycling UK on Stand S20 at Ecobuild 2012. Read the Rest Here

Rehau at Ecobuild

2012 will be Rehau’s 4th appearance at Ecobuild and it will be showing its range of polymer solutions for the ground source and biomass markets. Read the Rest Here

Green themes

Demonstrating both sustainability and thermal efficiency, Reynaers Aluminium will be showcasing a number of thermally improved systems at EcoBuild 2012 including its window and door system, CS104, ideal for passive construction. Read the Rest Here

Exhibiting efficiency

Solent Glass & Glazing Products will be at Ecobuild exhibiting the Rehau Geneo composite window system. Read the Rest Here

The drive for efficiency

Eight years ago, on a long train journey heading to Newcastle from London, I found myself sitting opposite a London University professor who was involved in photovoltaic research. Our conversation was so interesting that I arranged to meet him again for an interview to appear in a roofing magazine that I was editing at the time.

Unfortunately I don’t have a copy of that interview to hand now, but the piece of information that has stuck in my mind was what he said was the most important area for development. I had assumed that photovoltaic research would have concentrated on the efficiencies of the products they were developing (I believe the maximum efficiency for a solar cell is currently around 35%). However, my train-travelling professor said that while materials’ efficiency was certainly researched and improved, cost was a more important factor.

Let’s say you had developed a photovoltaic paint that had an efficiency of 5%, but it cost little more than standard white emulsion, it would make far more sense to buy that and paint the whole house, rather than invest in costly panels.

The reason I was reminded of this conversation was because of a story this week about a US company that has achieved a 9.1% efficient polymer/fullerene organic solar cell in an inverted bulk heterojunction architecture... OK, it doesn’t easily trip off the tongue, but it paves the way for organic solar cells to be manufactured on large areas at high speeds on lightweight substrates like plastic, which could eventually lead to solar energy being put on a par with fossil fuels in terms of cost.

The relationship between cost efficiency and sustainability was central to a half-day event held by the Royal Academy of Engineering . Paul Morrell, Chief Construction Adviser to the UK Government, said the cost of construction has risen by twice as much as the rate of inflation in recent times. If innovations in sustainability are proving to be something of an industrial revolution, then using sustainable methods should be the default way to construct our homes and public buildings – bringing the cost of construction down.

Of course, innovation is driven by demand, which is why the launch of the Building Regulations consultation was welcomed this week. WWF applauded the particular clause that will require householders undertaking extensions to their property to upgrade the energy efficiency of the existing property to the same standard as the new extension, thereby reducing the carbon emissions from that property.

As we go to press, we have learned that energy secretary, Chris Huhne, has resigned from his post following the announcement by Essex Police that he will be charged with perverting the course of justice over a 2003 speeding case. Any reaction from industry will be reported in next week’s issue.

Nathan Bushell
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Revised building regs consultation launched

Zero-Carbon Homes are a step closer, according to the Department for Communities and Local Government, after new proposals were announced to cut carbon emissions in new and existing buildings by Communities Minister Andrew Stunell.

Mr Stunell said changes to the country's building regulations would make new homes, shops and offices warmer and cheaper to run, support growth and take England a step closer to meeting its bold low carbon commitments.

Today's ambitious measures should pave the way for the introduction of zero-carbon homes from 2016.

The proposals will also help with the roll out of the Green Deal this autumn, stimulating demand, while helping to cut both carbon emissions and energy bills for householders.

CLG also said that the new set of Building Regulations published for consultation will save over £63 million a year for businesses by cutting excessive red-tape and deliver safer and more sustainable buildings.

When these amendments come into force next year, more energy efficient homes will typically save householders over £150 a year on energy bills compared with homes being built in May 2010.

Homeowners will also save money with an extension to the range of simple, electrical DIY jobs that can be carried out without the need for a building inspector, reducing costs for both consumers and installers and the burden on local authorities who inspect work.

The consultation document can be found here

Challenge of behaviour change

The University of Salford Retrofit 2012 conference concluded last week (January 26) with a detailed focus on the challenges of the large-scale behaviour change needed in the UK if the government is to achieve its carbon reduction targets.

350 delegates attended the second annual conference – aimed at reducing fuel poverty and making our homes more energy-efficient – which brings together academics, the construction industry and the housing sector.

The delegates heard from Salford University’s Professor Andy Steele whose research concluded that while solutions to finance (through the government’s imminent Green Deal) and technology (though a plethora of innovations to make households more energy efficient) are emerging, that policy makers have yet to engage with the third key element in the retrofit challenge – human behaviour.
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Recycling finance initiative launched

The Construction Recycling Alliance, a trade association representing construction companies committed to recycling, has launched a new service offering affordable finance for those enterprises seeking new recycling equipment.

Backed by a select number of specialist finance providers, the CRA Finance Initiative is available as an alternative to conventional lending which has, since the credit crunch, been perceived as highly selective and restrictive.

The new scheme is available to any company considering purchasing new or used recycling equipment and all enquiries will be dealt with by a proficient team of consultants who can assist with the provision of flexible finance solutions at competitive rates.

Commenting on the new initiative CRA director David Barnes said: “As a result of the ongoing recession which has acutely affected the construction sector, those seeking recycling equipment finance from some traditional providers are still being refused credit or offered punitive terms even though the construction recycling sector remains resilient. The CRA’s Finance Initiative aims to redress this imbalance and offer a viable alternative to the mainstream service providers.”

www.constructionrecycling.co.uk/finance

Solar record

Polyera Corporation has achieved a certified world-record 9.1% efficient polymer/fullerene organic solar cell in an inverted bulk heterojunction architecture using its newest proprietary ActivInk PV2000 semiconductor material.

The high efficiency of this material in an inverted architecture, in combination with its other leading-edge properties, represents a substantial breakthrough in the development of organic solar cell technology for large-scale manufacturing of low-cost, lightweight, flexible, and optically semi-transparent solar modules.

Organic solar cells can be manufactured on large areas at high speeds on lightweight substrates like plastic, but still require further increases in efficiency and operational lifetime to be truly cost-competitive with traditional energy sources.
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Innovation drives evolution

The construction industry is under pressure to improve cost efficiency and sustainability and is innovating at a pace not seen since the industrial revolution, but there are opportunities to do more. This was the key message of a recent meeting held on the theme of Innovation in Construction.

The half-day event, organised by the Royal Academy of Engineering, along with the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), and the University of Cambridge's Centre for Smart Infrastructure and Construction, brought together thought leaders on innovative construction techniques and emerging technologies across industry, government and academia.

Paul Morrell, Chief Construction Adviser to the UK Government, said competition in the construction industry does not work the way it should, leading to the cost of construction rising by twice as much as the rate of inflation in recent times.

He pointed out that the government can help with investment, regulation and procurement and was set a long-term trajectory, laying out future sustainability plans so that companies can plan their areas of investment. Government believes that it should not tell the construction industry what to do but leave it free to innovate, he added.

Dr Scott Steedman, Director Designate of Standards, British Standards Institution, said tough sustainability targets and aspirational standards could promote innovation and reduce building costs, so engineers must look for opportunities to add value through more sustainable techniques and materials.

For Ray O'Rourke, Chairman and Chief Executive, Laing O'Rourke, many innovative opportunities lie in the future of engineering and construction. For example, he believes that in the house-building sector, 90% of construction could be completed off-site to boost efficiency so that a house composed of modules could be made watertight within a day, and habitable within a month – a huge reduction in time and the associated costs of today's traditional 'block and build' approach.

Scottish progress

Good progress has been made in Scotland since 2009 to reduce emissions in order to tackle climate change, according to the Committee on Climate Change (CCC).

The CCC has published it first progress report on emission reductions in Scotland, as requested by Scottish Ministers under the Climate Change Act (2009).

Emissions fell in Scotland by 7% in 2009, mainly due to the impact of the recession and a reduction in economic output. Emissions are however likely to have risen in 2010, as a result of the cold temperatures at the start and end of 2010, and due to increased economic activity.
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Winter warmth appeal

As the big freeze grips the country, pensioners and the most vulnerable are being urged to take advantage of a government grant scheme to help make homes warmer.

Letters have just landed on 675,000 doormats across England to raise awareness about the Warm Front scheme.

The letters explain how pensioners and people on very low incomes can get money off having their heating repaired or replaced or having their lofts insulated through picking up the phone and contacting Warm Front. Read the Rest Here

Excellence recognised

Alumet collected the runners up trophy for Climate Change Opportunity at the EEF National Awards on 26th January.

The Southam business represented the whole of the Midlands after winning the regional award in November.

The EEF awards recognise excellence in enterprise, innovation, environmental performance and skills development among UK manufacturers.

Richard Halstead, EEF Midlands regional director, said: “Manufacturing is crucial to our region’s economic recovery. Companies like Alumet are leading the way by seizing strategic market opportunities to help build a low carbon economy. Congratulations to them on this well deserved success.”

The judging panel, led by Cranfield University, praised Alumet's achievements, stating: “This business is an exemplar for the manufacturing industry as it embraces the climate change opportunity. This company provided solid information pertaining to a carbon reducing product and, by using emerging technology, is remaining at the forefront of its industry."

The award recognised Alumet's efforts in the renewable technologies market through its EOS Energy brand of solar photovoltaics.

www.alumet.co.uk

Picture: Dean Walton, Alumet director, receives the award from EEF's environmental partner Dr Cedric Rodrigues, divisional director at ENER-G.

Products

Solar Canopy range

Able Canopies has launched its Faraday Solar Canopy range, a new range of free standing structures which provide shade from the sun while converting the sun's energy into electricity to be used by nearby buildings. Read the Rest Here

Achieving Level 6

Offering a U-value of just 0.7W/m2K, System10 Aluminium from Bowater Architectural is one of the only UK aluminium window systems to meet Level 6 requirements of the Code for Sustainable Homes. Read the Rest Here

New rainwater pump

HydroForce Pumps has launched a new clean water pump for rainwater harvesting tanks. Read the Rest Here

Climate change award

Jablite picked up the National EEF Climate Change Opportunity Award for the Jablite Dynamic Insulation at the Gala Dinner for the EEF Future Manufacturing Awards on 26 January 2012 in London. Read the Rest Here

Gold medal winners

Janisol Arte, a highly insulated steel renovation window system launched by steel specialist Schueco Jansen in 2011, was awarded a Gold Medal for Innovation in the Joinery & Fenestration category at Batimat 2011. It also won a Bronze Medal for Design. Read the Rest Here

All-black

Conergy has launched a new brand of all-black panels and mounting systems – the Noir Edition range will be available from 1 February. Read the Rest Here

Best of both

An ‘intelligent’ approach to domestic ventilation is overcoming the intrinsic failings of conventional techniques. Read the Rest Here

Two birds

To make PV economically viable as a domestic power source without subsidies, Polysolar, an award winning UK developer and producer of transparent PV glass for BIPV applications, argues that photovoltaic modules needs to perform multiple functions – not just electricity generation. Read the Rest Here

Eco boom

Demand for eco friendly products is on the rise according to Midlands based trade fabricator Truframe, which has noticed a considerable shift towards its energy rated windows in recent months. Read the Rest Here

Electrically heated glass

Glass UK has announced the launch of EtaGlass – a new electrically heated glass technology, which, the company claims, enables buildings to have far greater amounts of glass without increasing their energy use. Read the Rest Here

Design manual

Kingspan Insulation has released the latest edition of its design manual. Read the Rest Here

Sustainable champions

Lafarge will be among the ‘champions of sustainable construction’ celebrated at a high profile parliamentary reception arranged by The Green Organisation. Read the Rest Here

Projects

Hotel reception

Potterton Commercial, part of Baxi Commercial Division, recently designed and supplied a Paramount MB packaged boiler plant for the Heathlands Hotel in Bournemouth.
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Police notice

Andrews Water Heaters has supplied a gas-fired storage water heater and a solar water heating package which have been installed in a two-phase refurbishment project at Tayside Police’s Divisional Headquarters in Perth.
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Domestic savings

Baxi-SenerTec UK combined heat and power technology was recently employed to save energy and cut carbon emissions in a residential property in London.
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Green cladding

As part of the Archbishop McGrath Catholic High School’s £20m relocation to Brackla, in the heart of Bridgend, a new state-of-the-art school facility has been created. With environmental considerations paramount, a durable and sustainable cladding solution was required. For this, HLM specified Artema cladding from Carea.
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Museum piece

Lime Technology’s Hemclad pre-fabricated wall panels are being used for the construction of a new climate-controlled storage facility at The Science Museum at Wroughton in Wiltshire – set to house archives and objects from the NMSI family of museums.
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EWI contract

Anglian has recently been awarded an External Wall insulation (EWI) contract by Oxford City Council
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Offsite M&E

Balfour Beatty Engineering Services (BBES) has completed the delivery of a major mechanical and electrical (M&E) scheme at Crown Woods College, in Greenwich, demonstrating the multitude of advantages that offsite prefabrication can bring to enable a more sustainable, safer and efficient way of delivering building services solutions.
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Ministerial visit

Greg Barker, Minister for Energy and Climate Change recently visited Rampton Drift in Longstanton, where energy-saving technology is being retro-fitted at 13 former barracks properties which will eventually form part of the new town of Northstowe.
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Campus redevelopment

A trio of architectural aluminium systems from leading UK supplier Kawneer proved a “key element” to the redevelopment of a city college, for reasons including sustainability, robustness and aesthetics.
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Pain-free cooling

Patients are benefitting from a comfortable environment using low energy cooling and heating in the new Pain Centre at the Salford Royal Hospital which is undergoing a £200 million modernisation programme.
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