Saniflo exhibits at Installer Show 2023

From 27-29 June, Saniflo – a leading designer and manufacturer of pumps, macerators and lifting stations – will exhibit at the Installer Show at the NEC in Birmingham in Hall 5, stand B100. The decision to exhibit at this year’s Installer Show is thanks to the success of last year’s show.

This year, customers and prospects will be treated to a display of Sanifos underground pumps – popular with domestic and commercial customers – that feature multiple connection points to pump waste black and grey water from whole buildings when the building level is lower than the mains drains.

 

 

 

Also on display will be the new Saniflush, a modern WC with an easy-access, integrated macerator that can take the waste from a sink. The sleek, seamless design highlights the simplicity of converting an unused space into a stylish cloakroom or bathroom when gravity drainage isn’t accessible.

In addition, visitors to the stand will find a range of condensate, submersible, and shower pumps.

All visitors to the Saniflo stand can enter a special prize draw to win £100 Amazon Gift Voucher by answering the question on the competition entry form. One lucky winner will be chosen randomly at the end of each day.

 

Saniflo UK Marketing Manager, Amanda Mills, says:

“We had a successful Installer Show last year and we’re looking forward to this one and having the opportunity to showcase the quality and durability of the Saniflo range of products to existing customers and prospects. We’re particularly keen to demonstrate the benefits of the Sanifos range and the success Sanifos is enjoying with domestic and commercial projects. The Saniflo experts will be on hand to answer all questions. We look forward to seeing everyone there.”

CLICK HERE to register for a free ticket to attend the show

 

 

 

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International Timber ‘brews’ the ideal solution for Costa Coffee development

International Timber and Jewson have teamed up with local developer, Ascia Construction, to provide sustainable and quality cedar timber for the development of one of Costa Coffee’s latest drive-thru facilities.

 

Located at the Adanac Health and Innovation Campus in Southampton, the Costa Coffee drive-thru will provide at least 15 new jobs and soon begin to serve those working and visiting the hospital site. The new coffee shop will also cater to University Hospital Southampton staff using the campus’ park and ride facilities at the beginning and end of their shifts.

The building has been designed to include indoor seating for customer use, outdoor tables and a drive-thru window for customers on-the-go.

The initial design incorporated red and white render, cedar cladding and grey, powder coated metal roof and windowpanes, as well as turf borders, ornamental planting and newly planted trees surrounding the site’s boundary.

When John Packer, Timber Development Manager at Jewson, was first asked to secure the cedar cladding for this project, it was discussed whether UK Cedar or Western Red Cedar would be the best fit. The cladding designs included lots of individual pieces of cedar, all the same size but cut at different angles, to create a unique timber design that has become synonymous with Costa’s coffee shops over time.

Due to the complexity of the design and to ensure the visual aesthetic of the cladding, both John and the team at Ascia Construction decided Western Red Cedar would provide the ideal solution; helping to minimise knots and to prioritise quality, durability and sustainability.

John comments: “This project was one of the first major enquiries we’d worked on for Ascia Construction and we wanted to ensure that the quality of the materials, together with the customer service provided met the company’s expectations.

 

 

“International Timber proved to be the perfect choice of supplier, offering a cost-competitive quote, alongside a high-quality, durable product.”

 

International Timber’s Western Red Cedar is often a favourite for both internal and external cladding due to its natural resistance to decay and insect attack, as well as being an excellent material for thermal insulation – keeping the building cool in summer and preventing heat from escaping in winter.

Both John and the International Timber team worked closely to deliver 32 finish x 32 finish PSE cedar, providing samples which had been machined to specification and brought onto site to ensure the customer was satisfied right from the beginning. John then made two more visits throughout construction; once when the cedar was first delivered and again when it was fitted – each time with those on site at Ascia commenting on the quality of the timber.

With (PEFC) certification, the team at Ascia Construction could rest assured that the cedar used would be in line with Costa’s sustainability objectives.

John continued:

“Each time I went on site, the guys from Ascia Construction would comment on the fantastic quality of the cedar – even going as far to say it’s the best cedar they had ever worked with, which of course was music to my ears. The project was finished in April this year and it really is a superior build with quality materials and craftmanship.”

CLICK HERE for more information on International Timber and its Western Red Cedar range

 

 

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Repair services for £1.7bn contract

The largest not-for-profit provider of specialist housing and care for older people in England is looking to fulfil a repairs contract worth £1.7 billion that would extend for 15 years.

Anchor is seeking contractors to deliver a repairs and investment service for the homes across its property portfolio.

The works cover all Anchor’s residential care homes, retirement housing to rent and to buy, retirement villages, specialist care locations and several commercial properties and non-residential locations throughout England alongside three locations in South Wales.

Brian Golton, director of property delivery at Anchor, said:

“Helping people enjoy later life by providing high quality, safe homes with resident focused services is paramount.

“As a result, we are looking to secure long term partnerships with contractors who can demonstrate they can deliver consistently and effectively, to ensure we continue to provide homes where residents love living in later life.

“We have commenced the initial phase of procurement with an aim to award tenders in June 2024.”

John Westwood, executive director of property and assets at Anchor, said:

“With an ageing population providing well maintained, quality homes is needed more than ever.

“Anchor is proudly not-for-profit, which means every penny we make is reinvested into our properties and services. Our ambitious repairs and investment service seeks to meet the needs of current and future residents, with responsive and planned works being carried out, that includes retrofitting to improve energy efficiency and create healthier homes.”

Source: Care Home Professional

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Call to incentivise regeneration of brown field sites

South Scotland MSP Emma Harper, who has long campaigned for action to address the many vacant, abandoned and derelict sites  in Dumfries and Galloway and across the country as a whole, has written to the UK Government’s Chancellor of the Exchequer calling for changes to VAT to incentivise regeneration of brown field sites, instead of building on prime agricultural land.

Currently, under VAT rules, there exists a requirement to pay 5% VAT on construction works on derelict and pre-existing sites which many organisations, including the Scottish Land Commission, have said is a disincentive for potential investors to regenerate vacant, abandoned and derelict sites.

Ms Harper points out that the existing favourable VAT assigned for new builds creates a counter intuitive approach as current VAT makes it is much easier to build on prime agricultural land which could affect food security, instead of utilising and transforming sites that are already available.

In her letter to the UK Government, the South Scotland MSP indicated that making our existing buildings as heat and energy efficient as possible, and transforming current vacant, abandoned or derelict buildings, is critical to meeting our net zero carbon emissions in the future and to tackling the global climate emergency. She also points out the many benefits this change in VAT could bring to communities plagued by eyesore sites, and indeed how it could tackle health inequalities.

Commenting, Ms Harper said:

“There is a wealth of evidence and research, including from the Scottish Land Commission, which demonstrates that changes to the current tax system, but in particular VAT, can empower communities and create a modal shift in construction practices in Scotland and right across the UK. The evidence shows that, should VAT be reformed, we could see a stark increase in investors repurposing brown field sites, including derelict sites, instead of building on prime agricultural land.
“The benefits this change could bring to communities right across Dumfries and Galloway which are plagued by these eyesore vacant, abandoned and derelict sites is immense. Our region has more than its fair share of derelict sites – like the former Interfloor Factory in Dumfries, George Hotel and the Arches in Stranraer, Central Hotel in Annan and Mercury Hotel in Moffat, to name just some. The evidence is clear and the time to make change is now.
Published research from the Glasgow Centre for Population Health also shows that neglected environments can contribute to mental ill-health. Dilapidated neighbourhoods and abandoned shops or houses can make people feel unsafe, with run-down environments found to contribute to anxiety and persistent low mood.
“I call on the Chancellor to accept the evidence and take this simple step of removing VAT from brown field redevelopment, to see real change in tackling vacant, abandoned and derelict sites both here in Dumfries and Galloway, across Scotland and indeed right across the UK. I will keep constituents updated on any reply I receive.”

Source: DGWGO

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26% reduction in carbon emissions

Algeco and Modulaire Group delivers 26% reduction in carbon emissions

 

Algeco parent company, Modulaire Group, has published its latest Global Sustainability Report today showing a 26% Scope 1 and 2 emissions reduction for the global business compared to its 2020 baseline.

The report, titled ‘Sustainable modular solutions for a low carbon future’, provides a comprehensive update on progress that the Modulaire Group is making across its own global operations, corporate supply chain, and with customers, since placing sustainability at the forefront of strategy and decision-making.

Highlights of the latest report include:

 

  • 26% reduction in global Scope 1 and Scope 2 market based emissions vs 2020;
  • 54% of energy now from renewable sources
  • 4,616 hours of volunteering
  • Algeco UK achieved 6.8% reduction in scope 1 and 2 between 2020 and 2022

 

Scope 1 are direct emissions that are owned or controlled by a company, whereas scope 2 indirect emissions are a consequence of the activities of the company but occur from sources not owned or controlled by it.

 

The report references the UN SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), TCFD (The Task Force on Climate Related Financial Disclosures) and UNGC (United Nations Global Compact) Standards.

Published annually, the latest group report discusses the roadmap to Net Zero, its wider ESG strategy and KPIs to measure progress. It sets out the strategy behind Modulaire Group’s Environment, Social and Governance (ESG), with circularity, adaptability, and leasing at the core. This ‘loops within loops’ model is at the heart of the strategy, which employs circular economy principles to minimise waste, virgin materials and the embodied carbon throughout its whole operations and activities.

With the UK government committed to meeting a legally binding target of net zero emissions by 2050, all organisations will need to cut carbon emissions. With the built environment accounting for around 40% of CO2 emissions, Algeco UK has already taken important steps to Climate action.

Algeco is aiming to meet Net Zero carbon within an end-to-end supply chain before 2050. Key elements include the drive for energy, water and waste reduction within its own operations, as well as its customer solutions.

Social responsibilities within the report are focussed around enhancing employment practices to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all its people. Algeco in the UK has also recently partnered with a number of social enterprise organisations – businesses that reinvest most of their profits into social or environmental initiatives and projects – to help customers increase their Social Return on Investment (SROI).

Every social enterprise-sourced product from Algeco will generate a SROI report via the supplier, providing the audit trail organisations need to demonstrate Social Value. The range of social enterprise products offered by Algeco UK have the same specifications – or better – as non-social enterprise equivalents; but obviously deliver better value for society.

Mark Higson, Group Chief Executive Officer of Modulaire Group, said:

 

“I am pleased with our progress this year based on our five strategy and performance pillars. Our ambitious goal of achieving Net Zero by 2050 is encouraging our teams to work with passion and pride, finding new ways to reduce our environmental impacts and delivering social value to the communities in which we operate.

Many of these achievements are shared in our ESGS report, including reducing our Scope 1 and 2 market based emissions by 26%. I continue to believe there are significant opportunities to help our customers, suppliers, and stakeholders to address the challenges of climate change and to deliver growth in the low carbon and circular economy.”

 

Inder Poonaji, Director of ESG and Sustainability, said:

 

“Our latest Global Sustainability Report documents the excellent progress we are making and the ambitious targets we have committed to. Reducing embodied carbon emissions is a challenge across the entire built environment, not just in buildings. That is why sustainability remains at the forefront of our strategy and decision-making as we look to play a leading role in delivering decarbonisation across the sector.”

Commitments to further strengthen the Algeco and Modulaire approach to Governance involves a strong compliance focus around health and safety, human rights and labour practices, code of ethics, anti-corruption and sustainable procurement throughout the whole supply chain.

Modulaire Group is a leading provider of modular services and infrastructure, offering flexible, cost-effective, high-quality and timely solutions to help customers in a variety of end-markets

efficiently meet their needs for space and remote accommodation. The Group operates under the Algeco brand across the UK and Europe, where it is one of the longest established brands in the modular and offsite construction industry.

Algeco and the Modulaire Group employ more than 4,400 people working across 23 countries.

Algeco and parent company Modulaire Group are owned by Brookfield Corporation, a leading global alternative asset manager.

 

Find out more about Sustainable modular solutions for a low carbon future or visit https://www.algeco.co.uk/sites/default/files/2023-06/ESG_Report_2022_Final.pdf

 

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Gary on the Ball with Guinness

On Thursday 15 June, Gary Lineker was joined by Michael Eavis, his family, representatives of The Guinness Partnership and other special guests to celebrate the completion of a further 20 social rent homes in Pilton, Somerset.

The ex-footballer and Match of the Day presenter planted a tree with Michael Eavis’ grandchildren at the site – named Maggie’s Farm – just around the corner from where the festival takes place. The rural homes are built on land gifted to The Guinness Partnership by Glastonbury Festival founder (and dairy farmer) Michael Eavis.

These new homes at Margaret Bondfield Close are in addition to the 13 affordable homes Guinness and EG Carter & Co Ltd completed in 2018. Mr Eavis donated the land on condition that the homes will serve the local community in perpetuity.

The homes which include houses, bungalows and flats use local natural stone for cladding the buildings, and are equipped with air source heat pumps. The 33 homes provided by Guinness are in addition to 19 homes provided by other housing providers.

The development is supported by Strategic Partnership funding from Homes England, and Guinness worked with the contractor EG Carter & Co Ltd who carried out the building works on site.

Michael Eavis said:

“Pilton is really important to me – it’s where I was born, where I have lived man and boy, where I have brought up my family, and, of course, it has been home to the Festival for more than 50 years now. With rural house prices so often out of reach for local people, these houses give villagers, most of whom are working families who live around here, the opportunity to live here for the rest of their lives at a social rent.

“I started to build these houses 30 years ago with funding from the government and now that this scheme is finished, it brings the total number of houses available to 52. Of all the things I’ve done in my life, this is the one I’m most proud of.”

“The Guinness Partnership has really understood what I wanted to achieve and worked with us to ensure the houses fit with the style of the village and built from Pilton stone. I’m really looking forward to seeing the houses being completed with people moving in and raising a new generation to enjoy this beautiful area for years to come.”

Kevin Williams, Group Director of Development & Commercial Services at The Guinness Partnership said:

“ We are incredibly proud of our development at Maggie’s Farm and would like to thank Mr Eavis for donating the land on which these new homes have been built. These homes will provide much needed, high-quality social rent housing for local people, in this beautiful rural area.”

Josh Carter, Managing Director at Eg Carter & Co Ltd said:

“We are very proud of our work here in Pilton, a very special place, and honoured to have the opportunity to contribute in making Mr Eavis’s dream and vision a reality.  We thank The Guinness Partnership for their teamwork and collaboration on this project, so fundamentally important and central to the success of such a scheme.

“Whilst we have our roots just up the road in Gloucester, working here with a local supply chain, with local people, with local natural materials; we thank you all for welcoming us into your community and allowing us to positively contribute to this special place with the construction of 20 new homes.

“We are not building houses, we are building homes, and we thank you for the support and partnership in doing so.”

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Training Offers Gateway to Turnstile Standard

images courtesy of Record UK

The Automatic Door Suppliers Association (ADSA) is launching a new training course as a ‘gateway’ to a new standard that regulates power operated pedestrian entrance control equipment such as powered turnstiles, swing lanes and retractable lanes.

 

The introduction of BS/I.S. EN 17352:2022* is the first standard for this product group. It addresses industry concerns about safety in use and sets out a machinery safety standard: requirements and test methods, to ensure systems are safe.

 

ADSA’s standards accreditation outlines its requirements, ensuring all systems can be correctly specified, fitted, inspected, and maintained and enables employees and their employers to demonstrate their knowledge of the safety requirements and test methods within this product group.

 

Having already been piloted, the first of the day-long sessions will take place in June. This will be a classroom-based course, initially for ADSA members who already have ADSA PPD standards accreditation. However, it will subsequently be rolled out to others, and sales, project staff and technicians are encouraged to take part.

 

Said ADSA’s technical and training manager, Darren Hyde:

 

“There has been an increasing demand for products of this type and it seems only right to bring them in line with safety standards for the wider industry. These products can be operated electro-mechanically or electro-hydraulically and can be used for normal access as well as in escape routes and emergency exits. So, it is critical that they are properly specified, installed and maintained.

“Many leading manufacturers, who are already ADSA members, include them within their existing products ranges, while as a result of the introduction of the standard, we have seen new members join us whose businesses are solely within power operated pedestrian entrance control equipment.

“We feel that this new course will meet the needs of many who work with the industry, across different roles and at different levels. It will also provide public confidence in those companies that have acquired accreditation and can evidence their competence.”

The course costs £190 including examination.

 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

 

*BS denotes British Standard while IS is relevant to the ROI

 

 

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UN General Secretary backs cement and concrete leaders

UN General Secretary backs cement and concrete leaders in united rallying call for action on net zero.

He says the industry is “fundamental to building a better world.”

  • Call for “sustained and immediate” action on net zero comes as 200 cement and concrete industry leaders gather for major international conference in Zurich.
  • Cement and Concrete seen as vital to achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals.
  • GCCA is leading industry worldwide efforts to reach net zero through its 2050 Net Zero Roadmap.

The Secretary General of the United Nations, António Guterres, has issued a call to action, alongside the CEOs of major cement and concrete manufacturers, for the industry to redouble its efforts, and to work in partnership with governments, to reach net zero. The united rallying call has been made by the Chief Executive of the Global Cement and Concrete Association, Thomas Guillot, together with the leaders of GCCA member companies, as they begin a major conference in Zurich.

CLICK HERE FOR THE VIDEO

 

Concrete is the second most-used material on earth after water and the backbone of modern infrastructure. It is used to build homes, schools, hospitals, roads, bridges, tunnels and helps to provide clean water and green energy.  But with so much of it used around the world, it currently accounts for 7% of global CO2 emissions. The world’s leading manufacturers – all members of the Global Cement and Concrete Association – have pledged to eliminate those emissions by 2050, in line with GCCA’s Roadmap for Net Zero Concrete – the first heavy industry to set out such a detailed plan.

 

Addressing around 200 industry leaders from across the globe, who’ve gathered in Zurich, the GCCA Chief Executive, Thomas Guillot, said:

“We applaud all the action our members are taking to implement carbon-cutting measures and the latest data shows emissions are coming down. But many challenges remain, which we must overcome, if we are to achieve net zero, including enabling polices and regulations from governments across the world, which often don’t yet exist.”

“So today, I urge every manufacturer across the world, who has not yet done so, to join our pledge to eliminate emissions by 2050, But I also implore all governments to work with our essential industry, to deliver the policy framework that can create the favourable conditions to unlock the transition.”

 

And speaking via video to the conference, the Secretary General of the United Nations, António Guterres, supported the call for maximum action towards net zero, saying he wanted to see “concrete pledges from the concrete industry.”

 

He told the conference that concrete is

“fundamental to building a better world… and we have no time to lose, if we are to limit the global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees centigrade.”

 

“Science tells us that requires cutting global greenhouse emissions by almost half by 2030, That means taking a quantum leap in climate action – and slashing global emissions.  Starting now.”

 

 

The UN Secretary General set out three ambitions for the industry, including ending the use of coal-fired power in cement production, working more closely with governments, especially G20 countries, to speed up decarbonisation, and setting ambitious emission targets and transition plans, in line with UN guidelines.

 

 

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Pave the way to £250 prize with quick survey

Pave the way to £250 prize with quick survey

 

Share your opinions on landscaping brands and paving products – with a chance for you to win £250 in John Lewis vouchers.

 

The survey will take around 10 minutes to complete, and your personal data will be respected in line with all GDPR requirements.

Your answers are completely anonymous.

At the end of the survey there will be a section for you to provide your contact details to be entered into a prize draw to win £250 worth of John Lewis vouchers.

 

The survey is conducted by SLG Marketing.

 

CLICK HERE TO BEGIN THE SURVEY

 

 

 

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Updated Thermal Insulation Guides Provide More Clarity

The Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) has welcomed the long-awaited publication of BS 5422:2023 which updates the standards for thermal insulating materials for pipes, tanks, vessels, ductwork and equipment operating between -40ºc and +700ºc.

It says the revision by the British Standards Institute (BSI) brings much needed clarity regarding the minimum reaction to fire standards for pipe and duct insulation following the adoption of Euroclass standards and a departure from ‘Class O’ declarations.

BS 5422:2023 also includes tables of minimum insulation thickness for pipe and duct insulation applications including refrigeration, air conditioning, heating and domestic hot and cold applications.

A large number of tables covering enhanced insulation thickness and district heating thicknesses have also been added to the standard.

 

Chris Ridge, TICA’s Technical Policy Manager, said:

“The updated standards provide more clarity, and the additional tables will provide greater optionality for the specifier.

“While the number of tables has increased, there has been an attempt to simplify the reading of the tables. For example, higher thermal conductivity values for materials no longer supplied or rarely used, have been removed.

“Reaction to Fire is now defined within this publication in terms of Euroclass, which gives a more comprehensive and clear definition of the behaviour of materials exposed to fire. It also states a minimum performance of Euroclass C-s3, d2 in dwelling applications and B-s3, d2 in non-dwelling applications, and this will hopefully serve to reinforce good practice.”

 

However, he has called for a rethink on the sheer number of low temperature heating and domestic hot water tables included in the new standard – with ten separate tables for low temperature heating services alone.

 

He added:

“This could well prove a challenge for those interpretating specifications. We should also consider that whilst the ‘base standard’ tables for heating and hot water services are still included in the new version of the standard, they no longer represent best practice from a thermal insulation specification point of view.”

 

The new standard is available to purchase from BSI, the UK’s national standards body and is also available to TICA contracting members via its standards portal.

TICA will be announcing a webinar focusing on the key changes in BS 5422: 2023 via its website and social media in the coming days.

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