£3m allocated to refurbish Britain’s seaside towns

Seventy-seven projects have been selected to receive £3 million coastal revival funding.

Blackpool’s iconic Winter Gardens is one of 77 projects whose future is looking much brighter thanks to £3 million government funding, Communities Minister Brandon Lewis said today (11 December 2015).

Mr Lewis said the coastal revival funding will help secure these key seaside attractions “for generations to come”.

Ranging from theatres to piers and lidos to lighthouses, the projects will each receive grants of up to £50,000 to kick-start restoration work.

They are also set to attract £30 million in private and public investment and could support up to 1,500 jobs.

Prime Minister David Cameron said “Britain’s coastline is part of what makes us one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Our coastal towns are cherished not just by the people who live within them but by the nation as a whole. The value of our tourism industry also means they are playing a crucial role in the UK’s continuing economic recovery.”

“That’s why I am proud to lead a government which is absolutely committed to supporting and reviving our coastal communities.”

“With a total £3 million pledged for coastal projects today, it is clear we have an optimistic and ambitious approach to Britain’s seaside towns. We are providing a catalyst for further investment and securing treasured community assets for generations to come.”

Communities Minister Brandon Lewis added “From Berwick to St Ives, our coastal communities boast some iconic attractions, with millions visiting them each year.”

“But some of our best-loved buildings are falling into a state of disrepair – the £3 million Coastal Revival Fund aims to restore them to their former glory.”

“This funding will now kick-start the restoration work for these 77 projects across the country, so they can continue to be enjoyed by local people and tourists alike for generations to come.”

Driving regeneration in seaside towns

The government is committed to reviving our seaside towns, so they can diversify their economy, attract investment and secure their long-term future.

Since 2012, over £120 million has been invested in coastal towns through the Coastal Communities Fund, which is helping local people regenerate cherished seaside areas.

Earlier this year, the government announced 118 Coastal Community Teams, to encourage local businesses, councils and voluntary groups to work together to create a long-term strategy for their community.

Today’s £3 million Coastal Revival Fund forms part of these wider efforts, and will help communities to start the work to bring back into use buildings which have suffered years of disrepair.

Projects set to benefit from the funding include:

  • restoring the walls of the Pavilion Theatre, Blackpool within the Grade II* Winter Gardens building
  • plans to revive Grange over sands Lido Renaissance the 1930s derelict Art Deco saltwater lido
  • regenerating Madeira Drive on Brighton seafront
  • plans to regenerate the unique Art Deco saltwater lido in Shoalstone Pool, Brixham so it can become a top class tourist destination
  • plans to restore Tynemouth Outdoor Pool and create a leisure facility on the beach restoring and reopening Paignton picture house – a Grade II listed cinema as an independent community led cinema
  • re-development of the Edwardian bathing facilities east of Tinside Lido including adding new ‘pop-up’ shops in alcoves
  • repairs to Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis to preserve this unique much-loved 19th Century seaside theatre from imminent collapse
  • restoration of the iconic lighthouse in Spurn, Kingston-upon-Hull so it can open to the public
  • the regeneration of Redoubt fortress in Eastbourne including repairs to the moat wall and gun carriage and the creation of a maze for visitors
  • the renovation of Whitby West Pier Lighthouse which will mean it can open for public access
  • conserving 2 of Gravesham’s coastal heritage assets – New Tavern Fort and the remains of the Henry VIII Blockhouse to support it becoming a visitor destination
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Sentence imposed following death of six year old crushed by unsafe gate

A powered gate company has been fined £50,000 for corporate manslaughter following the horrific death of a child who was crushed to death outside her Moss Side, Manchester home in 2010, by an unsafe automatic gate. The sentence was passed at Manchester Crown Court on Monday 7th December.

Cheshire Gates and Automation Ltd had admitted corporate manslaughter over the death of six-year-old Semelia Campbell at an earlier court hearing and heard she had become caught between the heavy sliding gate and a wall outside her home. The moving gate had failed to detect her presence and she became trapped. She was crushed to death despite frantic attempts by her family to free her, the court heard.

In a statement released immediately following the court hearing, the Door & Hardware Federation, which represents the powered gate industry, explained that, tragically, this is not an isolated case.

Neil Sampson, chairman of the DHF Powered Gate Group said: “In the past ten years, there have been seven deaths in the UK and Ireland, at least nine serious injuries and countless near misses caused by dangerous powered gates. Shockingly, it is estimated that 70% of the 500,000 automated gates in service in the UK are unsafe to use.

“In this heart-breaking case, the court was told that when the gate had been originally installed it had been left in a completely unsafe and lethal state. Semelia’s death is a bleak reminder of the dangerous consequences if a powered gate is incorrectly specified, installed or inadequately maintained. The company did not even know how to set the gate up to a safe standard!

“As an industry we are determined to ensure that tragedies like this can NEVER happen again and in the five years since this appalling incident, we have made giant strides forward in raising awareness amongst all those responsible for powered gates regarding safety legislation and providing comprehensive advice and guidance. In the last two years alone, the DHF has trained more than 600 individuals on its two-day comprehensive Safety Assured training course. Owners and managers of any automated entrance systems need to be aware that the safety of their site is their responsibility.”

To gain comprehensive advice on powered gate safety, or to obtain a full list of DHF Safety Assured member companies visit www.dhfonline.org.uk.

In addition, the DHF is presently running a petition to raise awareness of the responsibilities of owners of powered gates visit https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/109917.

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Polypipe Terrain awarded Investors in People Silver Award

The people management skills of Polypipe Terrain, the UK’s leading plastic piping manufacturer, have been recognised by renowned independent commissioner, Investors in People.

For their continued dedication to managing performance, delivering continued improvement and creating sustainable success, Investors in People awarded Polypipe Terrain with its sought after Silver Award.

To achieve the Investors in People Silver accreditation, Polypipe Terrain had to demonstrate best practice across areas outlined in the Investors in People framework. The framework focusses on 9 key indicators, with Polypipe Terrain required to consistently outperform their peers when measured against the criteria.

Whilst a large number of British companies are awarded the Investors in People award, as of December 2014 only 6% of those who entered were awarded the prestigious silver certificate.

Members of the team, including operations and logistic staff, sales team, office staff and senior management, were interviewed by an Investors in People representative over a number of months in order to achieve the accreditation.

Polypipe Terrain used the assessment to establish core values which now underpin the company including Excellence in Service, Quality, Together and Health, Safety & Environment.

Lee Dawes, Finance Director at Polypipe Terrain, said “We have always been dedicated to developing and growing the team at Polypipe Terrain, the Investor in People award gave us the opportunity to prove that our hard work is paying off.

“To be awarded the silver award was a brilliant achievement and is a testament to the hard work of everyone in the team.

“We are now working hard towards the gold certificate, continuing to improve and develop our core values.”

To learn more visit www.polypipe.com/terrain

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Energy savings for Bristol family with EWI by Saint-Gobain Weber

weber.therm XM External Wall Insulation ( EWI) has been installed on a two-storey end of terrace, privately owned property in the Brislington area of Bristol. This is just one of several upgrades being undertaken by the homeowner which have included the addition of a large extension to the side of the property; a loft conversion; the addition of a garden room to the rear and new windows and doors throughout.

“We bought this 1960s property knowing that a substantial makeover was needed and being in the construction business I could see the potential and have managed a lot of the work myself,” says Mark Holden, property owner. “The property was unattractive, even ugly, with hard to treat solid walls, and it was cold. We wanted a more attractive home and greater comfort for our young family.”

The application of BBA accredited and Energy Saving Trust listed weber.therm XM EWI was carried out by M P Plastering Limited, Somerset, renowned for excellent render application skills and experienced with use of the weber.therm EWI systems. The couple sought Green Deal funding with the help of M P Plastering, a Green Deal certified applicator, and successfully achieved a 75% contribution toward the £9,000 cost of the EWI project.

“The Green Deal funding was surprisingly easy to achieve,” says Mark Pickthall, M P Plastering, “which is just as well considering how cold the house was and that there was a young family to keep warm. The property looks completely different now with the application of Weber’s EWI system. We like everything about Weber from start to finish. Great representation, excellent technical support, industry-leading warranties and products that are consistently reliable.”

The weber.therm XM EWI system used on this property included 90mm thick expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation which was mechanically fixed to the outer skin of the wall substrate. The render process requires two passes of weber.rend LAC, a cementitious render into which the fibreglass reinforcement meshcloth is embedded to give a robust render coat. When dry the surface is primed with weber PR310 in preparation for a 1.5mm thin coat decorative finish of weber.plast TF, an acrylic based, pre-mixed, textured finish, in Winter White. The porch has been finished in weber.pral M one-coat, through-coloured monocouche render in Chalk. weber.therm XM EWI is capable of substantially improving the U-value of a property in a retrofit project, and produces exceptional levels of energy efficiency on new builds.

“Where I had made additions and re-modelled the internal space the external walls were in an awful state. And from an aesthetics angle, it was great to cover the whole exterior with EWI. We can no longer see the scars and joints,” continues Mark. “Work started at the coldest time of year in November 2014, but within weeks we were feeling the benefit of the EWI. During a particularly cold spell we found there was no need to switch the heating back on after the timer programme had lapsed each morning which would have been necessary previously.” By February the property was fully wrapped and rendered.

“The massive visual improvement to our home is quite amazing,” says Mark, “but the saving we have made on our monthly fuel outlay is incredible. From an average of £150 per month during the winter months we are now paying around £80 a month, that’s a very big saving for a family.”

“We have carried out many projects on this property and my wife and I agree the EWI application has been by far the most successful element of our plans.”

Weber products are manufactured from carefully selected raw materials at purpose-built facilities in Bedfordshire, Shropshire and Ireland where quality and consistency is achieved.
For more information about this project, or for technical support, please contact Saint-Gobain Weber on 08703 330 070, or visit www.netweber.co.uk. Customers in Ireland should call 028 9335 2999 or visit www.weber.ie.

A free download of the new weber.app for iPhone and iPad users is also available from iTunes and from Google Play for Android smartphones and tablet users. Follow Saint-Gobain Weber on Twitter @SGWeberUK for the latest company news and updates.

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Rinnai space heater excels in energy efficiencies

The Rinnai range of Energysaver fanned convection powered flue gas fired space heaters offers the highest efficiencies on the market.

The range has been designed specifically for use in schools, community centres, libraries, conservatories and churches and other large enclosed spaces where they offer exceptionally high efficiencies in operation and contribute to drastically reduced running costs.

The Energysaver 1004T has an input of 11.6kW and outputs 10.23kW. Its measurements are 670mm x 930mm x 315mm and it has energy efficiencies of 96% under the guidance of Part L 2014. This puts it in the top rank of space heaters in its class.

It provides safe, controllable heat with maximum energy efficiency, combined with flexibility of location.

The heater is also suitable for central timer control. This feature allows the building manager to run any number of Rinnai space heaters off a central time clock providing heat to the large of spaces. The Energysaver Multi controller is not limited to single Energysavers as the flexibility of the system guarantees units can be mixed and matched to satisfy even the most unique of buildings.

The units are encased in a low surface temperature (LST) casing to avoid any risk of burns and offer easy on/off operation and intelligent features such as self-diagnostics and a self-learning pre-heat time to maximise heat up time and energy consumption. Warm air is delivered at floor level for greater comfort and coverage of even greater spaces.

Rinnai Energysaver units are very easy to install as there is no need for expensive (and extensive) ductwork, nor do they involve to running heating circuits for radiators or pipework to boilers. This cuts down drastically on cost and time at the point of installation.

The Rinnai Energysaver 1004T delivers energy-efficient and consistent warm air powered by Natural Gas and LPG options via fully modulating burners so heat and energy input is significantly reduced as the space warms up.

“Rinnai energy saver space heaters really do deliver a cost saving on installation, low operational costs and maintenance, lower life cycle costs, lower replacement costs, high energy efficiencies. They are infinitely suitable for refurbishment projects and, due to Rinnai’s confidence in the superiority of its engineering processes, they come with a 15-year warranty on the heat exchanger,” explains Chris Goggin, Associate Director of Rinnai UK.

The Rinnai Energysaver range comprises fanned convection-powered flue models that exceed seasonal thermal heating guidance under Building Regs Part L, while also heating the usable space within buildings, ensuring comfort, efficiency and compliance.

For more information on the RINNAI product range visit www.rinnaiuk.com.

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New commercial chemicals optimise system performance

Fernox has launched an enhanced range of commercial chemical water treatments, which includes: FC1 Inhibitor, FC3 Cleaner and FC1 Filter Fluid+ Inhibitor. Specifically designed for larger commercial systems, the three new products provide contractors with the high quality and reliable solutions needed to maintain energy efficient heating systems and protect vital system components from breakdown and failure.

Featured within the range is the universal, powerful FC3 Cleaner. Its formulation has been designed to purge commercial systems from harmful sludge and debris and restore the efficiency of existing systems. The effective product is also ideal as a pre-commission cleaner for new installations and suitable for use when conventionally flushing.

Once the system water is clean, the best-in-class FC1 Inhibitor should be utilised to protect against limescale build-up and corrosion formation. The FC1 Inhibitor is a proven formulation that is left within the system to maintain system efficiency and extend component longevity.

In cases where conventional flushing is difficult, not practical or even where high pressure powerflushing could create further system problems, then the unique FC1 Filter Fluid+ Inhibitor is recommended. The product combines the proven effectiveness of F1 inhibitor with an active dispersant package to detect, lift and deliver contaminants to a system filter.

For example when used together, FC1 Filter Fluid + Inhibitor and the TF1 Delta Filter will continuously protect against circulating debris that could cause system damage or breakdown – working to restore system efficiency. This complete solution mitigates the need for a system shutdown.

Also featured within the commercial chemical range is the popular Alphi-11 Antifreeze Protector. With proven capabilities and a reliable performance, the product is both non-toxic and compatible with metals and materials commonly used in heating systems. Alphi-11 can be left in the system all year to prevent frost damage and freezing pipework to temperatures down to -22 ̊C. Additionally, the combined antifreeze and inhibitor package avoids the need for a winter drain down and prolongs system life.

“Commercial heating systems are vulnerable to the build-up of sludge, scale and corrosion, all of which not only has a detrimental effect on system performance and carbon emissions but also affect the longevity of the system,” said Francine Wickham, Global Marketing Director at Fernox. “Our complete range of chemical water treatment and filter technology allows contractors to maximise the energy efficiency of commercial systems and protect vital and expensive system components from premature breakdown.”

FC1 Inhibitor, FC3 Cleaner and FC1 Filter Fluid+ Inhibitor are available in 20 litre packs and Alphi-11 Antifreeze Protector is available in a 25 litre pack.

For more information on Fernox’s new commercial chemical water treatments, visit: www.fernox.com.

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Nexus Brick Faced Support System

Creating flawless brick-faced soffits and lintels has now become much simpler and quicker, thanks to a new lightweight stainless steel based system developed by two industry-leading companies – brick support specialist Ancon Building Products and Ibstock Kevington –national manufacturer of brickwork and masonry special shapes and prefabricated components.

The new Nexus® system combines a specially developed Ibstock Kevington lightweight brick-faced steel unit with Ancon’s tried and tested MDC stainless steel bracket angle support system. The system offers contractors easier handling coupled with maximum adjustability, both vertically and horizontally, for quick and simple alignment on site.

The new system offers considerable benefits over traditional cast concrete alternatives – cutting weight by more than half, which in most cases will allow the brick-faced units to be installed without specialist lifting equipment, and significant savings in installation time – making it particularly appropriate for fast-track or time-limited projects.

Individual Nexus® units are designed and prefabricated off-site to suit different soffit dimensions, even modern deep soffits, so there is no cutting required on-site. They are simply offered up to the pre-fixed and pre-drilled Ancon MDC support system and then bolted into position using T-head bolts. The quality design allows units to be simply adjusted for perfect alignment and, once in position, all that is left is for the brick facing to be pointed for a seamless match with the main brickwork.

Nexus units can be fabricated using virtually any brick or masonry with the chosen product being specially selected and precision cut, generally from the same batch as the main façade to ensure a perfect visual match. Various brick patterns can also be specified to match individual project designs and styles.

All system components are of the highest quality, and engineered for economy and durability, with slips permanently bonded to the high grade stainless steel Nexus system using a BBA accredited bonding system. Nexus has been independently tested for long term durability by Lucideon, the independent global experts in materials testing, analysis and consultancy.

Ibstock Kevington Sales Director, Warren Dean said “Nexus® is an exciting new development that brings together the combined experience and expertise of two major companies – each market leaders in their own area. The advanced design will not only make it easier and quicker to specify and install modern brick-faced soffit and lintel features in a range of different building applications, but the two-part design means it will be far easier to achieve perfect alignment with the main brickwork façade.”

Further details and technical specifications for the Nexus® system are available in a new 4-page brochure, available to download from www.ancon.co.uk/Nexus.

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COP21: How construction can help tackle climate change

18 countries and over 60 organizations launch an unprecedented global alliance for buildings and construction to combat climate change.

Ministers from Cameroon, Finland, France, Morocco, Senegal and Sweden, international organizations, multinational CEOs and civil society leaders launch the alliance to speed up and scale up the potential of the sector for climate action.

18 countries (Austria, Brazil, Cameroon, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Norway, Senegal, Singapore, Sweden, Tunisia, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United States of America), and over 60 organizations on Thursday launched an unprecedented Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction to speed up and scale up the sector¹s huge potential to reduce its emissions and literally build greater climate resilience into future cities and infrastructure.

The Alliance, which gathers organizations from countries to cities, NGOs, public and private organizations, networks of professionals, of cities, of companies as well as financing institutions, announced the initiative at the Lima to Paris Action Agenda Focus on Buildings, in Paris. Among other members, the International Union of Architects (UIA) now represents, through national architecture organizations, close to 1,3 million architects worldwide; the World Green Building Council (WGBC) represents 27000 companies involved in green buildings business worldwide; the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) represents 180000 building surveyors globally; the European Construction Industry Federation (FIEC) represents the construction sector employers through 33 national federations in 29 countries.

The buildings and construction sector is responsible for 30 per cent of global CO2 emissions but it also has the potential to avoid about 3.2GtCO2 by 2050 through mainstreaming today’s available state-of-the-art policies and technologies. Reducing energy demand in the building sector is one of the most cost-effective strategies for achieving significant greenhouse gas reductions.

Real estate represents about 50% of global wealth. Creating this transformation requires investing around an additional US$220 billion by 2020 ­ an almost 50% increase on 2014 investment in energy efficient buildings ­ but less than 4% of the current total global annual investment in construction activity ($8.5 trillion/yr). Returns on this investment could be as high as 124% if investments in ambitious policy and technology actions are being made now.

As of today, 91 countries have included elements of commitments, national programs, or projects and plans relating to buildings in their Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs), the declarations by countries of what they are prepared to commit to.

With support and greater awareness, many more may realize the potential for the building sector to contribute to realizing national targets. Yet, the building sector is very local and needs to align many different actors, which is a primary objective of the new alliance.

As cities keep on growing until more than 70% of the global population will call urban areas home, it becomes crucial for the sector to reduce its emissions and literally build in greater resilience against climate change.

Action will include:

  • minimizing energy demand
  • greening the construction value chain
  • integrating renewables through district energy
  • implementing integrated building design and urban planning
  • engaging financing institutions.
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BREEAM’s significant contribution to carbon reduction detailed in new study

Study shows typical BREEAM Excellent building saves in excess of 30% CO2.

A new briefing paper gives an overview of sustainability standard BREEAM’s contribution to global carbon reduction in buildings. Published during global climate change conference COP21, the paper also gives details of how BREEAM has evolved since the standard was created 25 years ago and how it might develop in future so it continues to challenge the industry to go beyond standard practice.

The paper includes an analysis of assessment data (from 2011 onwards) shows that BREEAM assessed buildings achieve an average 22% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to buildings designed to regulatory minimum performance requirements. BREEAM Excellent buildings save more than 30% and Outstanding rated buildings in excess of 50%. To date over 530,000 building and homes have applied the standard in over 70 countries around the world.

‘On Monday over 150 world leaders gathered in Paris to discuss how to drive down carbon emissions and manage rising temperatures due to climate change. Given that buildings and homes together account for over 40% of the UK’s total carbon emissions, it’s more important than ever that standards like BREEAM are used to drive down emissions and reduce running costs over the life time of a building.’ said Director of BREEAM Gavin Dunn.

The paper says that one of the main aims of the BREEAM energy strategy moving forward is to strengthen the links between schemes covering different life cycle stages, with a particular focus on the relationship between the New Construction and In-Use schemes, and opportunities for addressing the ‘performance gap’.

This week BRE made a pledge to reduce further reduce CO2 emissions over the next 5 years by 900,000 tonnes, by certifying a further 9000 commercial buildings to the BREEAM standard. This pledge, together with other pledges from leading organisations in the built environment, forms part of the “Collective Commitment” created by the World Green Building Council as part of COP21.

Copies of the paper and details of BRE’s BREEAM pledge are available at www.breeam.com/cop21.

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Alan Thomas, Kiwa BDA Associate explains why the BDA Agrément® is

Specifiers, distributors and contractors know that it makes sense to avoid problems with acceptance of products or systems on site by building control, NHBC or simply astute customers. If the products they are considering specifying, supplying or installing are traditional or well-established they could select those which comply with British, or increasingly these days, European Standards and that are CE Marked (if appropriate). Additionally, building envelope products should carry approval by an independent body accredited for the task, showing that the product is fit for purpose.

Independent third party approval removes barriers to acceptance of all relevant building products by bringing together all the critical material properties and installation requirements in one common format reference document.

Kiwa is an international independent certification body with a pedigree of many years, and unrivalled experience in developing certification guidelines for a huge range of innovative building products, and has state of the art laboratories across Europe to test them. It is now extending its Kiwa BDA Agrément® scheme within the UK, developed on the basis of over 30 years’ experience on the study of the building envelope. With UK offices including Cheltenham, Harrogate and Derby, Kiwa is UKAS accredited and a Notified Body under the CE Marking arrangements applying across Europe. BDA Agrément® is fully recognised by the NHBC as meeting their technical requirements and by LABC for Building Regulations purposes.

BDA Agrément® is aimed at confirming the fitness for purpose of products covered or not covered by British or European standards and involves a thorough and rigorous assessment of the product concerned involving evaluation of its’ use on or within a building and testing of its’ key performance factors. The assessment also includes factory inspection and audit, to ensure that processes are in place to ensure that the specification of the product will be maintained as long as the BDA Agrément® is valid. Site inspections are also carried out to check installation information and practices and once the BDA Agrément® has been awarded the manufacturer will be subject to annual audit to check that all is as it should be.

Kiwa’s BDA Agrément® has already been awarded to many UK manufacturers, most recently to Kingspan Insulation for its Optim-R Vacuum Insulation Panel.

BDA Agrément® awarded to other UK firms so far include those covering external wall insulation, roof, wall and floor insulating reflective membranes, roof waterproofing and waterproofing to the underside of the raft and the outside of the walls to reinforced concrete earth retained structures.

Most recently the Kiwa BDA Agrément® is now recognised by DECLG – the Irish Government Department responsible for building standards.

For further information, contact Chris Forshaw on 07718 570564 (chris.forshaw@kiwa.co.uk)

By Alan Thomas, Kiwa BDA Associate
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