Has the EV charging industry got it wrong?

Statistics reveal rise in public charge points alone make no difference to EV adoption by motorists without driveways. Has the EV charging industry got it wrong?

‘Motorists who can’t charge at home are over five times less likely to switch to electric cars and the huge improvement in public charging over the years hasn’t changed that. There is a fundamental problem in how we view EV charging and we must address it,’ says Joel Teague, CEO of electric vehicle charger sharing app Co Charger.

The EV landscape has changed dramatically over the past four years. Back in 2019 there were 97,565 EVs on the road. By May 2023 there were 784,968 (SMMT May 2023). The number of public chargers has also changed. In 2019 there were 16,971, by May 2023 that had increased to 43,626 (Zapmap).

But one statistic has remained constant throughout: 84% of EV owners charged at home in 2019 and that is still the case in 2023 (Zapmap survey). Despite the sales of EVs increasing and public chargers becoming more widespread and reliable, almost exactly the same proportion of EV sales are to motorists who can charge at home, while motorists who cannot remain five times more likely to keep buying fossil fuel vehicles.

It is estimated that around half of UK motorists can’t access home charging because they live in flats, terraced houses or rental accommodation. The fact that these people have remained a small minority of EV buyers despite the huge improvements in public charging indicates that they do not see public charging as a viable alternative to charging at home. Given the huge advantages offered by home charging in terms of convenience, cost and dependability, this seems understandable.

‘There’s been an assumption by government and the EV industry of ‘build it and they will come’, says Joel Teague. ‘For years we’ve seen, built into research, presentations, plans and projects, the premise that if you build enough public charge points, people without driveways will buy EVs. But the focus on public charging infrastructure is actually alienating people without driveways. They’re being repeatedly told that the increase in public chargers means they should switch. However most don’t want to spend their time finding an available, working public charger and then staying close to it for an hour or two while the vehicle is charging to avoid an overstay fine. Nor can they balance the extra price of the car if they have to pay public charging costs, which are far higher.’

‘If we are to succeed in decarbonising road transport we must accept that data and re-think the whole picture, because it’s clear that right now we’re only serving half the people with what we’ve been doing. We need to highlight the huge range of solutions for non-driveway owners and reassure those people that an EV can be viable for them. Motorists need to feel confident that they can have some form of convenient, affordable and dependable ‘base’ charging before they make the transition to electric. Only then – when they actually have the EV – will public charging become relevant to them for their longer journeys.’

There are a number of ‘alternative base charging’ solutions available for motorists without driveways, including:

1. Workplace charging

2. Home-connected on-street charging – devices like gulleys, gantries or even buried cables with plug-in adapters are used to deliver power from private supplies to roadside parking locations

3. Mobile EV charging service – mobile services that charge cars when they are parked

4. Kerbside and lamp-post chargers – public chargers specifically designed and located for use by nearby residents

5. Charging hubs – purpose-built, off-street chargers set aside for residents near their homes

6. Community Charging – where owners of private chargers make them available for nearby residents as their “home” charger on a bookable, paid basis, using a dedicated app. Co Charger is the only dedicated Community Charging platform in the UK.

Joel Teague is forming a working group of companies that are working to help motorists without driveways go electric.

‘The most urgent task is to recognise and understand this problem from the motorist’s point of view. Then we have to get it woven into every conversation, report, plan and project so that we are genuinely giving every motorist what they need to make the switch away from fossil fuels. It’s a good move for everyone, not least public charging companies. Giving more people what they need to buy EVs means more customers for public charging when those people are away from home.’

‘While this may take a major pivot in how we think about, plan and deliver the EV transition, it’s good news for everyone if we acknowledge the size and shape of the problem and use our new understanding to accelerate that transition. I’m looking forward to working with colleagues throughout the industry and government to do just that.’

Since an article on the subject of ‘The EV Charging Blind Spot’ was published on LinkedIn earlier this month, many major names in the EV and sustainability industry have come forward offering support for this change in approach and momentum is building to better serve the sector.

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Gove’s Housing Plans, Views from the Property Industry

With a general election fast approaching and the Conservative party languishing in the polls, it was almost inevitable that the government would turn to housing in a bid to win fresh support from voters.

Ever since Margaret Thatcher declared her belief in a ‘property-owning democracy’ and introduced Right to Buy in 1980, the UK has been a nation obsessed with the idea of homeownership, and Rishi Sunak knows it.

His housing secretary, Michael Gove, unveiled fresh plans to help tens of thousands of people onto the property ladder by introducing new housebuilding measures to boost the supply of much-needed new homes. This includes plans to create several new investment zones that would focus new housing in urban areas, the first of which will be a major expansion of Cambridge.

But what do those working in the property industry think of the proposals?

Industry reactions:

Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark, commented: “The UK government’s commitment to building more homes is disappointing. In order to provide the homes the country needs, plans need to be more ambitious and government must go faster and further to achieve this.

“Avoiding a fragmented approach is key, as well as having housing targets that are linked to tenure to meet the demand in different areas across the country. Housing reforms must also reflect societal change, help tackle the climate emergency, involve the tax system, meet the needs of older people and ultimately provide more affordable options, whilst protecting the green belt.

“Changes to the private rented sector in England have been long awaited and it is positive to hear that the UK Government is looking to ensure that good landlords and agents are supported in these proposals.

“The private rented sector is crucial to a well-functioning housing market so a whole-scale long-term plan involving tax reform and clarity on energy efficiency targets is needed to address the imbalance in high demand and low housing supply and incentivise investment for property agents and their landlords.

“It is encouraging to see that further leasehold law changes are on the cards as it’s imperative that the reforms reduce costs for consumers and create a level playing field with those who already own a leasehold property. Furthermore, we welcome the proposals for a new design code to improve the quality of new homes and the inclusion of new support to help first-time buyers onto the property ladder.

“The announcements from the Secretary of State are a step in the right direction, but we need action now across all regions to provide homes that the country needs.”

 

Alex Michelin, co-founder of Valouran and Finchatton, said: “Without question, the main challenge facing the residential sector today is planning. Central government have cut funding to planning departments so much over the past decade that they are completely understaffed and without the necessary equipment or technology to effectively manage the number of planning applications they receive. It has reached a critical point. A recent report confirmed that only 19% of planning allocations submitted are being processed in the statutory agreed timeframe. It can take a year for a very straightforward application to be heard and this is strangling the UK economy and creating a massive housing shortage. Something needs to be done urgently.

Michael Gove’s approach to relax planning rules in an effort to create more homes in “the hearts of our cities” will unblock a multitude of opportunities for developers to build much-needed housing. The changes will allow developers such as Valouran to focus on delivering high-quality, sustainable and future-proofed buildings. Streamlined regulations will enable a focus on enhancing design standards and reducing environmental impacts. However, responsible urban planning must remain a priority to ensure harmony with existing communities and to preserve the city’s character.”

 

Mick Platt, director of the Residential Freehold Association, remarked: “Inner-city housing is a critical part of the puzzle when it comes to addressing the country’s housing crisis and delivering on our environmental targets, but the Government needs to think carefully about the challenges and opportunities associated with high-density housing.

“Managing large, complex apartment buildings is not straightforward and the Government’s leasehold reform agenda risks pushing this responsibility onto residents, many of whom do not want it. We need to maintain consumer choice in the market, ensuring that both leasehold and commonhold tenures are fit for purpose and properly regulated.

“Decarbonisation is also an important challenge when it comes to this form of housing and the Government should work with institutional investors and landlords on this agenda instead of trying to drive them out of the market.”

 

Colin Brown, head of planning & development at Carter Jonas, commented: “There is some encouragement in relation to suggestions of new lines of funding to help local authorities with their significant workload / backlogs.

“Development corporations may well have a place if the Government genuinely wishes to ramp up delivery, for example in Cambridge. Cambridge is however surrounded by a Green Belt so significant questions will remain as to how you capitalise on its ongoing potential without recognising that some green belt development will almost certainly be needed. How you leverage in new infrastructure is a further key question.

“What seems clear however is that national housing targets look set to be abandoned. The reference to urban areas and brownfield sites anticipates the fact that greenfield development in areas of greatest housing need do not really feature.

“While we would support use of brownfield land it is simply incorrect to suggest that the housing crisis can be met in this way. Greenfield and green belt land will both need to be considered.”

 

Oli Sherlock, director of insurance, Goodlord, said: “If we want to ease the pressure on the rental sector, we desperately need more homes to be built. However, we need targets and pledges to translate into bricks and mortar. We’ve neglected our housing market for far too long – now is the time for pragmatic action, not more talk.”

 

Paula Higgins, CEO of HomeOwners Alliance, commented: “We support action to build more homes, making use of inner-cities and brownfield sites to build more homes. While making it easier to convert empty retail premises into flats and houses is welcome in principle, these conversions are often of lower quality with poor ventilation. They certainly haven’t always been beautiful! Government must learn from its mistakes by creating a wild west of office to resi conversions. Developers must be required to meet all building and space standards; these developments must be properly inspected by a third party and buyers should receive a full structural warranty.

“We already warn our readers to confront the reality before buying such homes: very few conversions have private or shared outside space and some are located in very noisy and polluted streets, while others on business parks are sometimes miles from shops and schools. There is a risk these conversions are unsustainable and quickly become homes people don’t want to live in once the newness wears off. If the government wants to truly build homes in the places people want to live, they need a strategy for building in suburban and rural areas as well as cities.”

 

Source: Property Eye

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Armstrong Fluid Technology – European Expansion

ARMSTRONG FLUID TECHNOLOGY OPENS NEW SALES OFFICE IN GERMANY FOR EUROPEAN EXPANSION

Armstrong Fluid Technology has relocated its sales office from Mannheim, Germany, to a larger site in Frankfurt, to support the company’s European expansion.

Armstrong has had a dedicated European HQ since 2018, following its acquisition of the Circulator Pump Business Unit of German-based HALM Circulators. Having outgrown its current site, the company has now moved to larger offices to make possible the next stage in its European expansion. The new Frankfurt office will provide a base for Armstrong’s European team, with the company’s Sales, Regional Sales Enablement Centre, Customer Service and Service teams all relocating to the site. Its ideal location, close to Frankfurt am Main airport, also provides excellent transport links for customers and international colleague visits.

James Chapman, Commercial Director – UK/CE for Armstrong Fluid Technology commented: ‘Europe is a key growth area for Armstrong Fluid Technology, and the establishment of a dedicated resource in 2018 has enabled us to strengthen our support for customers across the region. In addition to continuing to expand our presence in the domestic circulator, commercial HVAC and fire safety markets, we are experiencing increasing demand for Armstrong products in sectors such as district energy and data centre cooling. We very much look forward to welcoming colleagues and customers to our new offices.’

For more information contact Armstrong on Tel: +44 (0)8444 145 145, email: sales@armstrongfluidtechnology.com , or visit www.armstrongfluidtechnology.com.

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ARMSTRONG FLUID TECHNOLOGY LAUNCHES NEW RANGE OF PRESSURISATION UNITS

Armstrong Fluid Technology has launched the 3760 range of pressurisation units for HVAC applications. For the consultant or M & E contractor the range offers maximum flexibility and space saving options for a plantroom’s specific needs, and for a facility manager, the range is designed to fit and forget. These compact units are designed to maintain the minimum system pressure of sealed systems up to 300,000 litres with some models also offering combined vacuum degassing and automatic chemical dosing as needed. Pressurisation only models are available for both floor and wall mounting, and floor-standing dual/multi models are also included in the range. Each unit combines a range of features to improve efficiency, save money, and reduce maintenance costs.

The 3760 Pro Floor Standing Pressurisation Units are digital units, designed for use on sealed systems, which offer enhanced BMS connectivity for multi-level monitoring. The unit’s controller maintains accuracy at the same time as reducing downtime, as changes can be made on the live system. With built-in dry run protection, anti-seize routine, and flood protection, they notify excessive starts and limit pump run time. These units are available in three models – 2LP, 2MP, and 2HP – with top up delivery pressure ranging from 1-8 bar. There is also the option of the DualSys model, which can control two sealed systems with the same benefits.

In addition to the 3760 Standard PRO models, the range includes ProVDG Pressurisation Units which combine pressurisation and vacuum degassing capabilities. These help prevent damage to pumps, heat exchangers, and valve seals by reducing magnetic accumulation. By effectively removing dissolved gases from the system, they also reduce system resistance and improve pump efficiency, allowing lower operational speeds. This results in improved heat transmission by keeping water at its optimal thermal potential, which saves time and money. These models also feature built-in dry run protection, anti-seize routines, and flood protection, providing notification of excessive starts and optimising pump run time. These units are available in three models – 2MP, 2HP, and 2UHP – with top up delivery pressure ranging from 1-8 bar.

The remaining models in the range are 3760 ProDoseVDG Pressurisation Units. These are 3-in-1 digital units combining pressurisation, vacuum degassing, and automatic dosing capabilities, making them an all-in-one solution for fluid management. They also maintain a minimum system pressure while proportionally providing additive on demand and effectively removing dissolved gases from the system fluid. These models feature built-in automatic chemical dosing capabilities, which enable 100% accuracy according to system requirements. This reduces costs and removes the possibility of human error. A key advantage of this feature is that it helps prevent particulate build-up and reduces costs by removing the need for yearly manual dosing maintenance. With built-in dry run protection, anti-seize routine, and flood protection, they notify excessive starts and limit pump run time. These units are available in three models – 2MP, 2HP, and 2UHP – with top up delivery pressure ranging from 1-16 bar. They are easy to install with a single connection, enabling fit-and-forget convenience.

CLICK HERE

for more information on the new 3760 pressurisation units

 

CLICK HERE

to email Armstrong Fluid Technology

 

OR Tel: +44 (0)161 223 2223

 

 

 

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FUSION: Next Generation Packaged Electric Water Heating From Adveco

The next generation FUSION range from hot water specialists Adveco is a complete range of packaged electric and packaged renewable electric water heaters for commercial projects. FUSION is a modern, future-proof system that embraces electric water heating and the option to incorporate air source heat pumps (ASHP) to lower carbon emissions in line with government calls for net zero.

As an all-electric system, it uses familiar technology that is relatively simple and quick to install, cost-effective and reduces carbon emissions. With an increased heating capacity over first generation Adveco FUSION systems of up to 34 kW, the next generation of FUSION systems offers greater versatility for meeting domestic hot water (DHW) demands across a range of commercial properties. Projects with small to medium basin and sink-led hot water demands – such as cafes, restaurants offices or gyms – taller buildings with basement plant rooms and organisations that depend on 24/7 hot water provision for continuity of service all gain advantages from using FUSION.

The packaged format enables flexibility to specify from a range of cylinders, primary electrical heating, air source heat pumps for pre-heat, and immersions for back-up all supported by Adveco’s bespoke controls to ensure optimal, efficient operation.

FUSION cylinders (ATSI & ATST) come with dedicated mounting points for the ARDENT electric boiler, simplifying and reducing the chance of installation errors. By mounting the electric boiler directly to the cylinder FUSION is a more compact, space-saving option when specifying or having to refurbish an existing plant room. The cylinder connections and clean-out plate are all arranged on the front of the tank for easy access when connecting pre-built pipework with a choice of left- or right-hand side connection, and for regular maintenance. This arrangement also enables FUSION to be situated tightly into a corner, again maximising available space.

The use of the 9, 12 or 24 kW ARDENT electric boiler replaces the use of a single immersion for primary heating. ARDENT, with multiple immersions inside its sealed storage tank provides automatically balanced usage to prolong system life. The typical cause of immersion failure is the creation of limescale in hard water areas, production of which is accelerated by the higher heat intensity of electrical water heating. This is avoided in FUSION, as the ARDENT is used in a sealed ‘primary’ loop to an indirect coil in the system’s cylinder. The ARDENT electric boiler heats the same water continuously so there is only a small, finite amount of scale in the system which will not damage the elements, effectively eliminating damage to the immersions by limescale.
FUSION cylinders offer single (ATSI) and twin-coil (ATST) variants with capacities ranging from 200 to 500 litres.

Single coil cylinders (ASTI) are used for standard electric indirect water heating with an ARDENT electric boiler (FUSION-E), and the option of an immersion for resistive heating ‘directly’ to water in the cylinder (FUSION-Eplus). Dual-coil cylinders (ATST) enable the addition of a 6 or 10 kW FPi32 monobloc air to water heat pump. The ASHP is connected to the lower coil and supplies indirect pre-heat to the vessel, while ARDENT is connected to the upper coil to provide primary indirect heating (FUSION-T & FUSION-Tplus).

FUSION E systems come with a thermostat and overheat thermostat as standard, but for renewable variants featuring dual-coil ATST cylinders and ASHP, optimisation within the FUSION system comes from Adveco’s purpose-built FUSION Control Box. This smartly balances the two heat sources enabling the water in the cylinder to be heated in the most efficient way. The heat pump’s contribution is maximised, achieving a working pre-heat flow temperature of 50°C under UK weather conditions, even if the ambient air temperature drops as low as -25°C.
With the cylinder water pre-heated by the ASHP, the ARDENT boiler is not required to work as hard to raise flow temperatures to the 65°C demanded by commercial applications. Electrical demand on the boiler is reduced by as much as 30%, delivering operational savings and reducing carbon emissions by up to 71%. This variant is perfect for organisations seeking to invest in a water heating application as part of a decarbonisation strategy without losing sight of higher operational costs associated with all-electric systems compared to equivalent gas-fired water heating.

Where hot water demands become a business-critical service, such as in restaurants or GP’s surgeries, FUSION will also support the addition of an Adveco backup immersion providing additional resilience ensuring there is no single point of failure for assured service provision. When only used as an emergency heating source, or during periods of unplanned excess demand, the inclusion of an electric immersion can be extremely advantageous. For FUSION systems incorporating the additional backup immersion (FUSION-Eplus & FUSION-Tplus) controls are further extended to incorporate SMS output to advise building managers of a fault scenario and automated engagement of the immersion back-up to guarantee business-critical hot water supply.

For commercial organisations specifying a hot water system for new buildings faced with regulatory changes on new gas connections, or planning to move from existing gas-fired systems to electrical alternatives FUSION provides an impressive range of choice whether cost, sustainability or business security are the driving factors for specification.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

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Breakthrough action to advance net zero buildings

WorldGBC report showcases breakthrough action to overcome challenges in advancing net zero buildings

The World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) releases the fifth edition of the  Advancing Net Zero Status Report, packed with examples of industry collaboration and accelerated action to address emissions from the built environment.

WorldGBC launches the fifth edition of its annual Advancing Net Zero (ANZ) Status Report that highlights action being taken now to decarbonise the built environment from businesses, governments and the global Green Building Council (GBC) network.

Advancing Net Zero programme’s progress in 2022-23:

  • A global movement being driven by 35 GBCs, with initiatives designed to deliver greater awareness around the urgency and achievability of net zero buildings
  • All five regional networks of WorldGBC are collaborating on Advancing Net Zero related projects to equip industry with resources to accelerate uptake
  • 22 national Whole Life Carbon (WLC) decarbonisation roadmaps published or in development by GBCs, with more being produced externally
  • The Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment (the “Commitment”) now has 175 signatories (including businesses, organisations, cities, states and regions), with 140 business signatories that are responsible for around $400 billion annual turnover, holding nearly 20,000 assets collectively across 75 countries, taking action at scale to decarbonise their portfolios and beyond
  • Built environment will be established as a critical climate sector at the UN Climate Summit COP28 in Dubai, UAE, with this WorldGBC report reflecting the thematic agenda “Multi-level Action, Urbanisation and Built Environment/Transport” on 6 December 2023
  • Nine global programme partners are accelerating industry action and overcoming barriers to net zero through innovative business activities

Accelerating a breakthrough in decarbonising the built environment

The WorldGBC Advancing Net Zero global programme (the programme), in collaboration with our GBCs, partners and Commitment signatories, is accelerating action at a local, regional and global level towards achieving the breakthrough moment to decarbonise the built environment. In July, the UN High Level Climate Champions announced that a critical tipping point had been reached as 20% of key actors from the building and construction sector had joined the Race to Zero.

At the UN Climate Summit COP27 held last year, WorldGBC (represented by 9 women), our network and the BuildingToCOP Coalition showcased actions and solutions from the sector, with 19 built environment initiatives launched. Looking ahead, COP28 in Dubai (30 November – 12 December 2023) will once again feature the built environment as a key thematic topic, further solidifying our efforts to establish buildings and the built environment as a critical climate solution.

GBCs continue to spearhead change in their local markets. The ANZ programme is now engaging more GBCs than ever with 35 GBCs participating, and the entire network involved in regional ANZ activities. All five WorldGBC regional networks now have Advancing Net Zero projects aimed at localising solutions and guidance for uptake at scale, including Net Zero Readiness Frameworks being developed in MENA and Americas.

Each GBC is also engaging their members and beyond to accelerate the transformation of the sector. Examples from across the network are featured in the Status Report, from the GBC Action Timeline to deep dives into the leadership action of Kenya Green Building Society, Chile Green Building Council and India Green Building Council.

Commitment signatories continue to showcase industry leadership, and in the report we detail examples of signatories delivering decarbonisation action across their portfolios. The front cover of the report features AMP Capital’s Quay Quarter Tower, a repurposed building of a 1970s skyscraper in Sydney, Australia. Two-thirds of the old structure and 95% of the building’s core were salvaged, saving around 12,000 tonnes of carbon and an estimated US $102 million. Commitment signatories Arup and Multiplex were also involved in this ambitious project, with Dexus and Deloitte as anchor tenants.

Advancing Net Zero’s global programme partners represent key industry players, actively working to decarbonise the sector. We profile in this report Cemex, Kingspan and Mott MacDonald on how they are engaging with their value chains both upstream and downstream to facilitate change and build resilience towards sustainable, resilient, equitable built environments for everyone, everywhere.

However, the industry still faces challenges in scaling up solutions, and ensuring all buildings are fit for purpose, while minimising their impact on our planet. We draw attention to the work, resources, and case studies that are helping to overcome challenges such as access to finance, electrification, offsets, existing buildings, embodied carbon, benchmarks and more.

 

Cristina Gamboa, CEO of the World Green Building Council:

WorldGBC’s Advancing Net Zero programme is making critical steps towards total sector decarbonisation. This report once again highlights the game changing achievements from the leading work of our GBCs, programme partners and Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment signatories, who are driving solutions and demonstrating that industry is ready for bolder ambition.

In the run up to the UN Climate Summit COP28 in Dubai, UAE, the world’s first Global Stocktake year should serve as a reminder for governments to reflect on how their actions and policies will help them achieve the goals they signed up to under the Paris Agreement.

We know that the solutions exist for a decarbonised future; and our network is ready to support industry and government to ensure that pledges, commitments and promises are turned into action that is delivering the change at scale that our world demands.

 

Call to Action

  • The world’s first Global Stocktake year should serve as a reminder that collective action is needed to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. In the lead up to the UN Climate Summit COP28, WorldGBC is calling on businesses, organisations, cities, states and regions to step up ambitions and take action. Join the Race to Zero and be a frontrunner in the race by signing WorldGBC’s Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment.
  • The building and construction sector can work together to solve this crisis by committing collectively to net zero carbon emissions by 2050, and collaborating to achieve optimum performance outcomes, building by building. Join your local Green Building Council (GBC), and engage with regional activities to find out how you can play your part.
  • Governments can drive mainstream systemic change through enhanced whole life carbon policies and enabling the transition to renewable energy sources, inspired by industry demonstrating what is possible, today. Explore WorldGBC’s Global Policy Principles to find out more.
  • The question we should be asking is why are we choosing not to build more sustainably when the solutions already exist and are being implemented across the globe.
  • Continuous engagement, challenging the status quo, and being aware of the impacts of decision making in building design, construction and performance, is key to moving forwards.

 

Read the full report here or download a PDF version

 

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From Sewage to Energy

image Yorkshire Water

Sewage power to heat 10,000 UK homes

Centrica Energy Trading has teamed up with Yorkshire Water and SGN Commercial Services in a 15-year deal to extract biomethane from sewagage.

Centrica Energy Trading has struck a 15-year deal with Yorkshire Water and SGN Commercial Services to harness the power of biomethane from sewage wastewater treatment plants.

Yorkshire Water will produce biogas as a by-product of its sewage treatment processes.

Centrica Energy Trading will then take charge of the management of this biomethane production, handling shipping, trading and balancing of this biogas.

SGN Commercial Services will design, develop and operate the biomethane sites.

These sites are expected to produce an estimated 125GWh of biomethane annually, enough to heat more than 10,000 households across the UK.

Kristian Gjerløv-Juel, Director for Renewable Energy Trading and Optimisation at Centrica Energy Trading, said:

 

“Having recently expanded our capabilities to handle trading, nomination, and transportation of green gas in the UK market, we’re working to accelerate biomethane production across Europe and using our capabilities to help businesses deliver on their green procurement strategies and reduce emissions.”

Source: Energy News

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35 years and counting

2023 sees GEZE UK celebrate another milestone in the company’s history – 35 years in business, and in that time the company has grown and developed hugely.

 

Formed in 1988, GEZE UK was the second subsidiary to be established by German parent company, GEZE GmbH, following GEZE France. Based in Chelmsford, Essex, the company started trading mainly in the distribution of door closer products.

 

Recognising a gap in the UK market, a new division was set up in 1997, in Tamworth, Staffordshire to concentrate on the provision of complete automatic door solutions from design to installation and including technical advice and guidance on building regulations.

 

By 2003, GEZE UK had outgrown the Chelmsford office and the decision was taken to merge it and the Tamworth operation into new purpose-built premises at Fradley Park in Lichfield, Staffordshire.

 

In 2008 the first service office was set up followed by a further 6 offices throughout the UK. The Scottish office, near Glasgow, is a full service provider for the Scottish market, dedicated to the specification, installation and service of automatic doors.

 

Kaz Spiewakowski, MD of GEZE UK, said

“During my 10 years at GEZE UK I have seen many changes and challenges including Brexit, the Covid pandemic and a recent cyber-attack. As a company we have shown fantastic resilience and the ability to all pull together in difficult circumstances.

From a handful of staff in the early days to over 250 today, the company would not have developed as it has without their expertise, determination and dedication.

As we look to the future we continue to focus on offering the very best customer service, as well as managing issues such as product certification, sustainability and fire safety. We also look to ‘give back’ through our corporate social responsibility programme”.

   

    To find out more about GEZE and its comprehensive

     range of automatic and manual door closers and

     window technology products

  

      CLICK HERE TO EMAIL

 

       OR CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE GEZE WEBSITE

 

 

 

 

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PEXHURST SIGNS SPONSORSHIP DEAL

Hertfordshire-based fit out and refurbishment contractor, Pexhurst is delighted to announce that it is the official club sponsor of Welwyn Garden City Football Club (WGC FC) for the upcoming season.

Pexhurst is a long-time supporter of grassroots football and is pleased to be entering this partnership with Welwyn Garden City Football Club, known by fans as ‘The Citizens’. WGC FC currently plays in the Southern League Division One Central and is looking forward to the upcoming season where it will be sponsored by Pexhurst. The local business is sponsoring all teams across the football club, from the young U13s to the First Team.

Pexhurst’s sponsorship supports the team in planning for the future and investing in its players. The contractor is passionate about both construction and football and is excited to support football at a grassroots level and promote the construction industry among the local community and youth. Under the sponsorship deal, Pexhurst will have naming rights of the stadium, as well as kit branding, club programme branding and signage.

Nick Tagliarini, Director at Pexhurst, commented, “We hope to establish a long-term partnership together, with the immediate goal of seeing Welwyn Garden City FC promoted to Step 3 football, which is three leagues away from league football.”

David Coates, Vice Chairman of Welwyn Garden City Football said “Sponsorship is essential to a club of our size to maintain a competitive squad for the season ahead. It is fantastic to have a local business on board to help us do just that. Pexhurst are a highly successful business, and we are delighted to have them on board, not only with the first team but also with the academy sides.”

 

WEBSITE

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Unblocking the Planning System to Build More Homes

The government will meet its manifesto commitment to build 1 million homes over this Parliament, the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, has announced today.

Reaching this target would represent another important milestone in the government’s already successful housebuilding strategy. Since 2010, over 2.2 million new homes have been delivered and millions of people have moved into home ownership.

The pledge comes ahead of a major speech by the Housing and Levelling Up Secretary, Michael Gove, today [Monday 24 July] in which he will set out new measures to unblock the planning system and build more homes in the right places where there is local consent.

Rather than concreting over the countryside, the government will focus on prioritising building in inner-city areas where demand is highest and growth is being constrained. This includes a new urban quarter in Cambridge which will unlock the city’s full potential as a source of innovation and talent. Working with local leaders and communities in Cambridge, a new quarter will create new beautiful homes, supported by state of the art facilities with cutting-edge laboratories and green spaces.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

Today I can confirm that we will meet our manifesto commitment to build 1 million homes over this Parliament. That’s a beautiful new home for a million individual families in every corner of our country.

We need to keep going because we want more people to realise the dream of owning their own home.

We won’t do that by concreting over the countryside – our plan is to build the right homes where there is the most need and where there is local support, in the heart of Britain’s great cities.

Our reforms today will help make that a reality, by regenerating disused brownfield land, streamlining planning process and helping homeowners to renovate and extend their houses outwards and upwards.

Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Michael Gove said:

Most people agree that we need to build more homes – the question is how we go about it.

Rather than concreting over the countryside, we have set out a plan today to build the right homes in the right places where there is community support – and we’re putting the resources behind it to help make this vision a reality.

At the heart of this is making sure that we build beautiful and empower communities to have a say in the development in their area.

The Government will also take steps to unblock the bottlenecks in the planning system that are choking and slowing down development, and stopping growth and investment by:

  • Immediately launching a £24 million Planning Skills Delivery Fund to clear backlogs and get the right skills in place.
  • Setting up a new “super-squad” team of leading planners and other experts charged with working across the planning system to unblock major housing developments. The team will first be deployed in Cambridge to turbocharge our plans in the city.

Developers will also be asked to contribute more through fees, to help support a higher quality more efficient planning service.

New flexibilities to convert shops, takeaways and betting shops into homes will help to rejuvenate the high street. Meanwhile, red tape will be cut to enable barn conversions and the repurposing agricultural buildings and disused warehouses.

New freedoms to extend homes, convert lofts and renovate new buildings will help to convert existing properties into new accommodation. A review into the extension of permitted development rights will make it easier for homeowners to build upwards and outwards – with new extensions and loft conversions – whilst ensuring neighbours’ interests are protected.

Community support is vital in making these plans a success and the Housing Secretary has been clear any developments must be beautiful, come with the right infrastructure and designed with locals in mind. That is why the Housing Secretary is also today announcing:

  • Office for Place – a new body will be launched today to lead a design revolution and ensure local people have a say in how housing is designed.
  • A consultation on reforming local plans, to make them simpler, shorter and more visual, showing clearly what is planned in local areas so communities can engage.

Verity Davidge, Director of Policy, Make UK Modular said:

 “Today’s announcement to manage the housing planning backlog through a planning skills delivery fund is a step in the right direction. Part of the fund should be dedicated towards ensuring planners have the knowledge and expertise of modular housebuilding too, which can help tackle the housing crisis we face in the UK.

 “That said, these policies only begin to scratch the surface and we need to see more ambitious reforms to housing. Lowering stamp duty for EPC A rated homes and allocating a higher proportion of the affordable housing programme to modular housing would unleash the potential of a dynamic and innovative sector able to provide homes greener, faster and better.”

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