Building News is an information portal for all professional building specifiers. Here you can find all of the latest construction news from around the UK and the rest of the world.

World first 100% Hydrogen combustion technology

RINNAI announces world first 100% Hydrogen combustion technology for continuous flow water heater

 

Rinnai committed significant resources into this new appliance technology and created a supremely efficient-functioning continuous flow hot water system fuelled by 100% hydrogen.

In November last year the company announced the release of its “Rinnai Innovation Manifesto 2050”, describing its commitment to global carbon neutrality. ‘As a company that produces appliances that require fossil fuels, Rinnai feels a deep sense of responsibility to embrace all aspects of global decarbonisation,’ said a spokesman for the company.

Current UK Rinnai product ranges – both domestic and commercial – are ‘hydrogen blends ready’ – meaning that units will accept the proposed 20% hydrogen/natural gas blend. Rinnai UK is one of the first manufacturers display the I2HY20 gas category certificate for all its products.

 

‘If we can develop a 100% hydrogen combustion technology that emits no CO2 at all, we can help achieve carbon neutrality. Rinnai’s 100% hydrogen combustion water heater models are fully able to contribute significantly towards cutting emissions.

‘An adoption of global infrastructural modifications is a prerequisite for hydrogen-burning water heaters to become a valid global decarbonizing technology. Major international economies are strategizing measures that focus on introducing clean and domestically sustainable sources of energy, such as renewables and hydrogen into separate energy mixes before or around 2050,’ added the company spokesman.

In the UK HyNet Northwest, a project trialling hydrogen distribution and supply to both industry and residential sites, has Cadent as a lead partner. Cadent is the UK’s largest gas distribution network. All waymark reports show that the trial is progressing up to and beyond expectations. And overseas – Australia’s major energy companies are implementing a series of demonstration tests using 100% hydrogen water heaters in residential applications throughout and beyond October 2022. Rinnai will also take part in these tests in the hope that over 100 years of experience can assist in producing technology that accepts clean energy.

 

For Rinnai UK Chris Goggin, Operations Director, comments, ‘We are delighted to see this development coming to market after a period of intense research and design work conducted on a global scale. The product quality of our range of products, coupled with service excellence to all customers, is and always will be our first priority. We have responded to the need for decarbonisation by re-designing those parts of our products that warranted it – and we have recognised the fact that all fuels will factor in the future. Hence, we have launched our H3 initiative of Hydrogen, Hybrid and Heat Pump so that our customers have the best possible choices to assist them maximise their own energy efficiency programmes.’

 

 

Rinnai plans to continue researching and developing next generation decarbonising technology. Rinnai is determined to introduce combustion technology that encourages a greater sense of customer convenience and clean air quality.

 

 

For more information on the RINNAI product range CLICK HERE

 

 

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Is the ‘Brick Love Affair’ Over?

Builders can’t get enough bricks but the market seems to be out of love with brick companies for some reason

There was a building materials shortage throughout the UK in 2021 and it does not seem to have improved much in 2022.

The industry has not really recovered from the Covid-19 pandemic, which proved to be a double whammy. Lockdowns limited the amount of new materials that could be produced while homeowners took the opportunity to crack on with a few home improvement projects.

At the beginning of this year, the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) said there were relatively good stocks and availability of most products, including timber, but the supply situation was less good for bricks and roof tiles.

The BMF said domestic producers of bricks are already at full capacity, so the shortfall should continue throughout the year until three new UK brickmaking plants start producing in 2023 and 2024. That should boost the UK’s annual capacity by about 150mln bricks per year, replacing some of the production capacity that was lost in the wake of the financial crash in 2008.

In the meantime, imports will be required to meet current demand and many of these will be sourced from the European Union, with all the hassle that now entails.

The Brick Development Association has indicated that lead times will be an issue for the rest of the year. In some cases FMB members have been waiting up to half a year for supplies from manufacturers.

Meanwhile, as one might expect in times of shortage, prices of raw materials are ballooning, contributing to a rapid increase in insolvencies in the UK construction sector.

According to the Office for National Statistics, around 400 small construction businesses in the UK became ex-businesses in April alone.

So, we’ve got a shortage of domestic producers, Brexit-related and Covid-related supply chain issues, labour shortages, burgeoning demand for home improvements and rampant inflation; what else could go wrong?

Well, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has not helped matters on the import front. It is estimated that the UK needs to import around half a million bricks each year to meet demand and this is not a situation the UK construction industry (or Britain’s brickmakers, for that matter) is happy about, not least because bricks are heavy and therefore expensive to import.

Building a new brick factory is an expensive business and ideally requires that the factory be located close to a suitable quarry.

Thus we have seen the likes of Brickability Group PLC (AIM:BRCK) acquiring Modular Clay Products Ltd (MCP), a supplier of UK and imported clay facing bricks to meet bespoke client specifications, earlier this month for £4.75mln.

Last year, it acquired Taylor Maxwell, which the broker Shore Capital said: “created a UK powerhouse in brick distribution, increasing Brickability’s buying power with virtually zero overlaps within the customer base”.

Despite this, the shares are down by around a quarter this year, even after the company raised revenue and earnings guidance for the fiscal year just ended.

Another listed brick company, Michelmersh Brick Holdings Plc (AIM:MBH), has fared little better, with its shares slumping to 94.5p from 128p at the start of the year. The company boasted back in May of “stable demand from our loyal customer and distributor relationships in all of our end markets” and said production volumes had continued in line with expectations.

Michelmersh is set to implement its next round of price increases next month, which may be a pivotal moment for the company and its margins.

Source: Proactive Investors

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ALTRO HELPS INTEGRATE ART INTO NEW UNIVERSITY COLLEGE HOSPITAL BUILDING

The positive impact of an enhanced environment is incontrovertible in modern healthcare – staff and patient experience is improved by art; the impact on wellbeing and outcomes is significant. So it is fitting that the new 34,600m2, Grafton Way Building at the University College of London Hospital (UCLH) incorporates more than 100 original pieces of art, printed on Altro Whiterock Digiclad™ (Custom) wall sheets and forming part of the fabric of the building.

The world class facilities strengthen UCLH’s position as a leading national and international hospital. Above ground, modern, purpose-built inpatient wards for people with blood disorders are provided over three floors, with a further floor for a new critical care unit and surgical ward.

The 25m deep basement, created by one of the largest excavations in London, houses eight hyper modern operating theatres for planned orthopaedic, ear nose and throat and oral surgery and the Proton Beam Therapy Centre – one of the first in England – which will offer ground-breaking radiotherapy treatments to patients, targeting tumours more precisely.

Guy Noble is Arts Curator with UCLH Arts and Heritage Programme, and works to improve patient and staff outcomes through the Arts. He curated the artwork that features so prominently throughout the new facilities.

“There is a raft of evidence showing how enhanced environments improve recovery rates for patients,” Guy explains. “Nature and views of nature are particularly impactful. The themes for the new hospital encompass nature in many forms. We have looked to artwork to uplift, to calm, to distract – this can be really effective for people in distressing or worrying situations.”

 

Guy’s team commissioned more than 100 original pieces of work, covering 3,000 ft2. Lucy Gough and Eloise Renouf designed work for the critical care unit; Alex Echo’s work features in the Proton Beam Therapy Centre and many other areas of the building.

This ambitious art project was made possible through the use of Altro Whiterock Digiclad (Custom), which is created by reproducing a photographic image or design on to Altro Whiterock wall cladding, with consistent, photographic quality. Hard-coat technology provides scratch-resistant properties for added surface protection.

“Altro Whiterock Digiclad was the right choice for a number of reasons,” explains Guy. “It satisfies our infection control requirements and our Fire Officer was more than happy with its fire rating too. Its robust nature really helped as well.

“Cleanability and durability are so important in hospital settings. Alternatives such as vinyl wallpaper simply wouldn’t have the longevity needed in this environment.”

The bespoke wall sheets were printed from digital files using UV cured inks. “The print quality and colour resolution were simply excellent,” says Guy.

Darren Baggett, an Internet Asset Entrepreneur, former city trader, and long-term supporter of UCLH, has been passionate about this art project from the very beginning and was instrumental in raising funds to help bring it to life. He worked closely with artist Alex Echo throughout the project.

“It was fantastic following it from start to finish – seeing the concepts and ideas develop organically and be brought to life and installed as part of the fabric of the building to last for years to come,” says Darren. “Altro were supportive with their pricing to make the project possible. The installers did an amazing job. This was the best thing I was involved with last year – it was the ray of sunshine. Everyone involved in the project was so positive about it and that shows in the end result.”

The wall sheets were installed by Absolute Interiors, an Altro Whiterock Premier Installer. “Absolute Interiors have worked with UCLH over the years and they understand our requirements. They delivered well and to the timescales – we are really pleased with the results,” says Guy.

The artists

Lucy Gough’s prints use simple graphic lines and bold colour blocks to form a coherent style that has come to define her artistic practice. Her most recent work draws inspiration from a variety of sources including architecture and geometry.

Eloise Renouf is an artist, designer and illustrator. The things she creates are decorative yet simple, colourful but thoughtful. Inspired by the outside; rethought on the inside.

Alex Echo has created artwork professionally for forty years, and has placed his works in the collections of some of the world’s top corporations, institutions and celebrities. He has worked relentlessly for various charities and institutions, raising over $1,200,000 from sales of his work.

 

 

About Altro – www.altro.co.uk

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TATA STEEL COLORCOAT® MEETS NEW EN 10169 STANDARDS WITH FLYING COLOURS

TATA STEEL COLORCOAT® MEETS NEW EN 10169 STANDARDS FOR PRE-FINISHED STEEL WITH FLYING COLOURS

 

With the EN 10169 standards changing, placing a renewed emphasis on the importance of UV and corrosion resistance, Tata Steel is pleased to announce that its Colorcoat Prisma® and Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra® pre-finished steel products continue to meet some of the highest classifications possible.

 

The standards for EN 10169 dictate the performance requirements for pre-finished steel, including its UV and corrosion resistance, with the new 2022 standards representing the biggest move to performance of the product category for many years.

 

Tata Steel is pleased to announce that both its Colorcoat Prisma® and Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra® pre-finished steel products surpass the requirements of RC5+ as per EN 10169, providing excellent corrosion resistance. This new RC5+ category is the highest classification available for corrosion resistance, with products meeting this level of performance having to undergo extensive weathering tests at a C5 exposure site for at least four years with satisfying results – i.e., resist blistering, coating damage and edge peel to less than 2mm. Samples of Colorcoat Prisma® and Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra® were exposed to the extreme coastal environment of Brest on the west coast of France to assess corrosion resistance. Both products utilise the Galvalloy® metallic coating, which is an essential element of the super durable properties.

 

 

What’s more, in addition to corrosion resistance, Tata Steel’s Colorcoat Prisma® – a 3 layer pre-finished steel product renowned in the industry for its superior aesthetics – has been proven to surpass the requirements of Ruv5, in accordance with EN 10169. The Ruv5 category, also new for 2022, is now the highest classification available for UV resistance. To achieve this, products have to achieve a minimum of 4 years weathering in a UV exposure site, with satisfying colour and gloss retention results. EN 10169 stipulates that, for Ruv5 classification: the percentage gloss retention must be greater than 80% after each test and the extent of colour change must be less than 3 DE following natural weathering exposure.

 

Speaking about the achievement, Dr Peter Barker, Manager – New Product Development at Tata Steel said: “The Colorcoat® brand has long been synonymous with providing high-quality, durable pre-finished steel to the construction industry. Now, with our achievement of RC5+ and Ruv5 for Colorcoat Prisma® (Metallics, Solids, Matts and Elements range) and RC5+ and Ruv4 for Colorcoat HPS200 Ultra®, our customers can remain confident that they are getting products that meet the highest performance levels for their project.

 

“At Tata Steel, we seek to not only meet the standards but exceed them. That’s why we currently have over 10 years of weathering evidence, far more than the four years set out by the Standards, and also why we offer a guarantee of up to 40 years on both of our pre-finished steel products used for the weatherside of industrial and commercial buildings. By choosing Colorcoat® branded products architects, specifiers, contractors and developers can be provided with the assurance that their building will have a long life-span, standing strong and looking great for many years to come. In the drive for lower carbon buildings, a more durable product can ultimately provide more sustainable benefits in the use stage of a project.”

 

Manufactured in the UK, the Colorcoat® pre-finished steel products are certified to BES 6001 Responsible Sourcing Standard and can support both BREEAM and LEED certification.

For more information, please visit:

www.colorcoat-online.com

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Bringing Engineering to Life

#zumtobel

Working with the University of the West of England, Hydrock Consultants, and AHR Architects, Zumtobel delivers a cutting-edge lighting scheme to inspire future engineers.

The University of the West of England (UWE) has invested in a new School of Engineering with the commitment to increase the number of women and people from underrepresented groups working in the sector, in particular aerospace.

The multi-million-pound building, located at the Frenchay campus in Bristol, has enabled it to expand its intake of students to 1,600.

This contributes to the University’s vision of promoting multi-disciplinary, collaborative learning and supporting the predicted increase in demand for skilled engineering graduates across the region.

Set over four floors, the 8,500 mt sq, modern building houses many different engineering disciplines in a contemporary space. The site features teaching studios, modelling and simulation suites, laboratories, specialist workshops, and student learning zones, accommodating many engineering disciplines such as composite manufacturing, machining, and metrology.

Eunan Scanlon, Technical Director – Building Performance Engineering, Hydrock comments, “Hydrock provided multidisciplinary services to UWE on their new state-of-the-art Engineering building. We developed the lighting and lighting controls strategy in collaboration with AHR Architects, UWE stakeholders and Zumtobel. The engineering building comprises of a central Atrium with perimeter engineering facilities, with hard engineering workshops on the ground floor then labs and teaching spaces on the upper floors. From the concept we worked up lighting solutions for each individual space to meet the requirements identified, including specific luminaires for harsh environments and/or scene setting, the lighting controls for specific tasks during the teaching timetable. The lighting controls were developed to significantly utilise the fantastic architectural daylight distributed throughout the building.”

Comfort and performance

The building has been designed to complement the University’s practice-based curriculum – bringing engineering to life through real-world problems. It provides different and more flexible ways of working for both students and staff – training the next generation of engineers.

The lighting had to stand up to exacting performance standards to ensure the most comfortable, safe, and practical learning environment. High uniform light levels were required to support the practical-based learning style, keeping students alert and motivated.

Building on a longstanding relationship

Zumtobel has a longstanding relationship with the UWE and has delivered various lighting projects throughout the campus over several years. Therefore, knowledge of the brand’s wide selection of performance luminaires made it the number one choice for the contemporary new building. Working closely with the UWE, Hydrock Consultants, and AHR Architects, Zumtobel designed the optimum lighting scheme for the complete facility to meet the customers’ requirements.

Cutting edge lighting design for all lighting applications

The lighting scheme utilised several of Zumtobel’s most popular products, including TECTON, PANOS evo, MELLOW LIGHT evo, VIVO spotlights, TRINOS, and SLOTLIGHT Infinity, all managed via the LITENET Lighting Control system. Emergency versions and RESCLITE PRO on a CPS CENTRAL BATTERY provide the emergency lighting.

Students, lecturers, and visitors alike are welcomed by the bright lighting quality from TECTON C continuous-row luminaires on arrival at the building. A versatile and efficient system, it provides intelligent solutions for many lighting tasks throughout the facility, from LED light lines to emergency lighting.

To complement the TECTON luminaires in the entrance, TECTON MPO furnishes the classrooms with a uniform light distribution. With minimised glare through LED point reflexion of the task area and when directly looking into the luminaire, TECTON with MPO optic is ideal for the demanding visual tasks associated with the practiced-based curriculum. A gentle illumination of the ceiling and the lateral translucent optic create a wide beam pattern with soft edges, brightening the learning environment.

Furthermore, the building incorporates two distinct office designs. In one scheme, light lines of SLOTLIGHT infinity provide a consistently linear design with high precision optics that deliver uniform illumination, without interruption or dark spots, even around corners. SLOTLIGHT infinity also graces the circulation areas around the atrium.

The second office scheme employs the classic MELLOW LIGHT evo recessed and surface-mounted luminaires. MELLOW LIGHT plays with light. It brings the room’s depth to life in the mellow colours of the sky until late at night, giving occupants a renewed sense of outdoor freedom, helping teachers and officed staff stay focused and alert.

The award-winning PANOS evo LED downlight provides unrivalled lighting quality and energy efficiency throughout the bathrooms and circulation areas.

Externally, TRINOS IP65 continuous-row lighting system combines the flexibility and practicality of a trunking system with the rugged durability of an IP65 luminaire. The TRINOS luminaire guarantees optimum protection and performance at all times.

Zumtobel’s LITENET system provides an effective means for the University to obtain as much comfort and lighting quality as possible using the minimum amount of energy, materials, and time.

In choosing some of the most efficient luminaires on the market, combined with automated lighting controls, the University has a highly efficient lighting scheme.

Eunan, comments, “All the systems came together to create a well-lit building that looks stunning during the day and especially after dark.

Zumtobel are a long-standing key provider of lighting solutions to UWE and they were a great match again for the engineering building. They have the wide range of systems in place to meet the demands of the engineering building and the Zumtobel Team were always on hand to support the project.”

Stephen Denning, Project Manager / Building Surveyor UWE, adds, “The wide selection of luminaires used throughout the site has created a great overall finish to the building, with cutting edge design and excellent energy efficiency. This is a lighting scheme fit for our engineers of the future.”

 

For more information on Zumtobel please

CLICK HERE to visit the website

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D I Y HOME CONSTRUCTION

The Government predicted thousands of people will be able to construct their own homes in Grand Designs style under its new Help to Build scheme.

Backed by the offer of a 5% deposit loan, the funding is designed for individuals or families who dream of building their own place but could never afford to do so.

Ministers have committed £150 million to finance this support, which they say may even be within the reach of first-time buyers.

People will be able to borrow between 5-20% of the building costs, or 40% in London, based on total costs of £600,000, or £400,000 if the land is already owned.

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Darlington Building Society is the first lender to offer funds under the scheme, and chief executive Andrew Craddock said: “Self-build isn’t the preserve of the wealthy, and Help to Build makes it more practical and accessible than ever before for people to build their dream home. This scheme also opens up opportunities to first-time buyers.”

The government also published its response to the independent review by MP Richard Bacon into scaling up self and custom housebuilding, with a target of 30-40,000 new homes every year.

Self-build revolution

Housing minister Stuart Andrew said: “Through the Help to Build scheme we will help thousands more people onto the property ladder by giving them the opportunity to build homes that are perfectly tailored to their needs and in the communities they want to live in.

“This innovative scheme will build on our work to break down the barriers to homeownership, as well as creating new jobs, supporting the construction industry and kickstarting a self and custom build revolution,” he said.

Measures from the Bacon Review the Government has accepted include:

  • A specialist unit within Homes England to bring forward more self and custom build plots on regeneration land across the country.
  • Bringing forward legislation through the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill to promote self and custom building, including the review of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
  • The Modern Methods of Construction Task Force (MMC) will promote the use of modular factory-build to boost custom homebuilding.

Source: The Negotiator

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EJOT secures FM Approval for single-ply flat roofing fasteners

Construction and industrial fastening systems manufacturer EJOT has added another significant quality standard to many of its flat roofing fastener and washer combinations by gaining approval from American testing institute, FM Global.

The internationally-recognised FM Approval on a significant number of EJOT single ply flat roofing products corresponds with, and complements, the company’s existing European Technical Approval (ETA), confirming the safety, reliability, and durability of the flat roofing product combinations.

Importantly, unlike the European assessments that focus on the individual product’s performance capabilities, the FM Approval process looks at the complete assembly by testing an entire roofing system – the fastener, substructure, insulation material and roof sheet.

The EJOT fastener and washer combinations tested include the EcoTek tube-washer with FBS-R fastener, which is a popular choice for attaching membrane and insulation to concrete, as well as TKR/TKE fasteners with the HTK 2G 50 tube-washer. This is typically used when attaching insulation and a single layer waterproof membrane to a steel or plywood deck.

 

Successfully passing the rigorous testing process in various roofing membrane combinations gives these fastener/washer combinations FM Approvals Standard 4470. This provides additional certification to support the products and maintain their worldwide use in the flat roofing market.

As a result, EJOT can present greater flexibility and security for OEMs globally, with design data being available not just within the ETA but from the FM Roofnav design database (www.roofnav.com).

Kevin Rackley, Product Manager for membrane system fasteners at EJOT UK said: “FM Approval adds another quality dimension to our most widely used single ply flat roofing fastener/washer combinations, confirming the standards we have already demonstrated in Europe and giving specifiers and OEMs across the globe a recognised seal of approval.

“FM Approval has become an increasingly important factor for investors and building owners throughout Europe who are demanding the American quality certificate, so it was only right that we as a responsible OEM that we responded to the market needs by gaining approval.

“It will also support the use of our products in international construction projects where FM Approval can be a major factor, particularly where there is a requirement in the tendering process in order to comply with FM Global’s insurance standards.”

As one of the leading manufacturers of fasteners for the construction sector, EJOT UK is ideally placed to advise on the correct fastening solution for any roofing and cladding project. Its range of fastener and washer combinations for single-ply flat roofing is one part of an extensive portfolio of solutions for the building envelope, which also includes high performance fastening systems for rainscreen, profiled sheets, sandwich panels and external wall insulation, as well as concrete anchors.

 

To contact technical support, CLICK HERE TO email EJOT UK or call 01977 687040

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Knauf joins Planet Mark to solidify sustainability commitments

Knauf is delighted to announce that it has joined Planet Mark, a widely recognised organisation that offers sustainability certification to businesses via the independent verification of social and carbon data. In doing this, Knauf has also committed to an annual carbon emissions reduction of at least 2.5%.

 

Planet Mark is in the process of verifying data submitted by Knauf based on its 2021 operations and Knauf will be publishing a report later this year which will outline the findings.

 

The outcome of the report will shape Knauf’s sustainability strategy moving forward. Critically, it will help the company set credible targets and demonstrate a route to achieving them.

 

Joining Planet Mark is a way for organisations to positively transform society and the environment, a sentiment that closely aligns with Knauf’s own “Build for the world we live in” agenda.

 

Knauf’s Sustainability Leader, Lucy Hall has spearheaded the move which represents a significant financial and time commitment for the company. She comments: “Knauf is delighted to have taken the significant step of signing up to an organisation that will verify our data and drive us to improve our processes to minimise our carbon footprint and increase our social value.”

 

This move will consolidate the work on sustainability that Knauf has already been doing and looks to set an example for the construction industry to follow.

 

Steve Malkin, CEO of Planet Mark commented: “We are thrilled to welcome Knauf into the Planet Mark community. Without precise measurements, progress cannot be tracked and Knauf has taken the vital steps necessary to begin taking action on its emissions.

 

“As the built environment contributes to over 40% of carbon emissions in the UK, the company’s commitment to continuous improvement in reducing carbon emissions will make a significant impact.”

 

Find out more by visiting our sustainability case studies.

 

 

 

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DEANESTOR FITS OUT SECOND COMMUNITY HOSPITAL IN THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

Deanestor, one of the UK’s leading furniture specialists in the healthcare sector, has delivered a second hospital fitout project in the Scottish Highlands.

The new Broadford Community Hospital on the Isle of Skye is part of a £40m development by NHS Highland. This investment included the award-winning Badenoch & Strathspey Community Hospital in Aviemore, which opened towards the end 2021, and was also fitted out by Deanestor.

Delivered by hub North Scotland and designed by Oberlanders Architects with Rural Design, the new 24-bed hospital on Skye provides a range of services. There are consultation and treatment rooms on the ground floor, emergency department, physiotherapy and occupational therapy, chemotherapy, x-ray and ultrasound, and a midwife-led maternity facility. A renal dialysis unit – a new service for Skye established last year – ensures patients can access treatment closer to home.

Deanestor provided both loose and bespoke fitted furniture for 142 rooms throughout the new hospital. This included storage units, medicine cabinets, height-adjustable changing benches, bedroom wardrobes, foldaway beds in some inpatient rooms, nurse stations, and a main reception desk with a walnut wood-effect finish and contrasting glacier white solid surface countertops.

Bespoke joinery was also manufactured and installed by Deanestor for a new six-bay suite for chemotherapy and renal patients to help create a more welcoming patient environment. This suite has large picture windows with stunning sea views. The white low-level counters are designed to house medical gases and vacuum outlets, and incorporate lighting, solid surface worktops, oak privacy screens, coat and bag storage, and IPS panels.

Commenting on the opening of the new hospital, Tracy Ligema, Project Director at NHS Highland, said, “This is a significant milestone in the history of Skye, Lochalsh and South West Ross. There has been a considerable amount of work involved in this process and we want to thank everyone who has contributed.”

“The new hospital will serve the community for many years to come and highlights the health board’s commitment to developing remote and rural health and social care services.”

Peter Ramsay, Project Director for hub North Scotland, said, “Broadford Hospital is a fantastic health facility which will bring huge benefits for the communities of Skye, Lochalsh and South West Ross. We faced major challenges progressing construction during the Covid pandemic but the support of all the partners and the local community ensured we have delivered a hospital that everyone can be proud of.”

A durable laminate finish was used for the storage solutions in two shades of blue to reflect the sky and the sea in the surrounding landscape. Darker blue was specified for the inpatient bedrooms and utility areas, with calming aqua for the treatment areas.

As part of the infection control strategy, infill panels were designed to fully integrate the wall cupboards up to the ceiling. This feature is an efficient and highly effective alternative to sloping cabinet tops to avoid dust gathering on top of the units in the clinical areas.

Deanestor also fitted out the pharmacy with tall cabinets, worktops, dispensing cabinets with integrated trays and metal drugs cabinets. A wide range of specialist equipment was also installed across the hospital – from physiotherapy bars to white boards, dispensers, sanitisers, and appliances.

Originally established in 1948 to manufacture hospital furniture and fittings for the newly established NHS, Deanestor now has the resources and expertise to manage 5,000-room hospital projects. It offers bespoke design services to meet specific healthcare project requirements and is responsible for installation to provide a seamless approach and a single point of contact for contractors, NHS trusts and other construction clients.

For further information, visit www.deanestor.co.uk/healthcare, call 01623 420041 or email enquiries@deanestor.com

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CLEAN AIR DAY 16.06.22 – BESA backs calls for tougher ventilation rules

The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has given its wholehearted support to a hard-hitting government commissioned report calling for buildings to be made more infection resilient through the imposition of higher ventilation standards.

The report, which was requested by the government’s chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance, urged the UK to “seize the post-pandemic opportunity to mandate long-term improvements to infection control in commercial, public, and residential buildings”. It estimated that better ventilation and indoor air quality could help save the country £23 billion annually over the next 60 years by reducing the impact of future health emergencies and the regular disruption caused by seasonal diseases like flu.

Infection resilient environments: time for a major upgrade was published by the National Engineering Policy Centre (NEPC), a partnership of 43 UK engineering bodies. The work was led by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) who proposed that infection control should be coordinated with efforts to improve energy efficiency and fire safety – including building retrofit programmes designed to achieve the government’s net zero ambitions.

“Seasonal diseases already cost the country as much as £8bn a year in disruption and sick days,” said BESA’s head of technical Graeme Fox. “So, even without another major emergency like the Covid-19 pandemic, making buildings more infection resilient by reducing transmission, could have significant health, social and economic benefits.

Comprehensive

“Improved ventilation has already been shown to reduce infection risks, boost productivity and alleviate asthma,” he added. “This report is an excellent and comprehensive piece of work that clearly lays out the benefits of designing, operating, managing, and regulating buildings for infection control.

“It is very much in line with BESA’s ongoing campaign to turn buildings into ‘safe havens’ focused on improving the health and well-being of occupants.”

The report established that many buildings were not operated in line with current air quality standards, because they were built to previous standards, had been modified over time, or were not being managed as originally planned. It recommended that any system specified as part of a building design should now be considered from “an infection perspective”.

New regulations and standards that would apply throughout the lifetime of a building should be developed, according to the NEPC, along with codes of practice to ensure that the health of building occupants was a day-to-day consideration for everyone involved with a building, from designers through to asset managers.

The report challenges industry bodies and public procurers to improve the commissioning and testing of building systems at handover and in operation.  CIBSE also called for the setting up of ‘in-use regulations’ for local authorities by 2030 to maintain standards of safe and healthy building performance over a building’s lifetime.

“The pandemic has made clear how important infrastructure and the built environment are for our health,” said Sir Patrick. “We spend most of our time in indoor environments and making these healthier and more sustainable spaces will have wide benefits to our public health, wellbeing, and the economy. This will require action.”

The importance of helping building managers develop “good operational practice” was highlighted by CIBSE President Kevin Mitchell, who also pointed to the “significant costs to business and society of not building and managing our buildings to meet standards of health and wellbeing”.

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