TRILUX Osido earns Build Back Better Gold for innovation in sustainable façade lighting

   

TRILUX has won a prestigious Build Back Better Gold Award for its Osido wall luminaire, recognising the product’s innovation, sustainability, and contribution to reducing light pollution in architectural lighting.

The Build Back Better Awards celebrate excellence across innovation, creativity, social purpose, and environmental leadership. In the 2025 lighting category, judges assessed projects, products, and initiatives from across the industry, awarding just one Platinum, eight Green, and a select number of Gold accolades.

Osido secured its Gold Award for tackling one of the toughest challenges in architectural lighting: creating striking façades and building surrounds without contributing to obtrusive light or sky glow. Instead of external shields or louvres, Osido integrates the solution into its design. In versions with indirect lighting, the LED board is angled inward by 6°, directing light precisely onto the façade and significantly reducing upward emissions — supporting Dark Sky principles.

Beyond its optical precision, Osido sets new benchmarks in sustainability and ease of use. Based on a modular concept, the range supports refurbishment and circular economy principles with standardised mounting plates that allow one-person installation, upgrades, or maintenance. A larger cavity behind the mounting plate simplifies cable routing, while plug-and-play connectors enable tool-free installation.

The luminaire family combines application-specific MLT optics, optional facial illumination modules for enhanced safety, and compatibility with Casambi and LiveLink controls. Designed to blend seamlessly into both modern and traditional architecture, Osido is available in four shapes, with further extensions to include ceiling luminaires, bollards, and spotlights planned.

“Winning a Build Back Better Gold Award underlines Osido’s role in setting new standards for responsible architectural lighting,” said Leighton James, Product and Marketing Director TRILUX. “By combining design impact with environmental responsibility, Osido demonstrates how product innovation can support both the needs of designers and the wider goals of sustainability.”

The award was officially presented on 25 September 2025 at Circular Lighting Live in London, with winners announced publicly the following day.

CLICK HERE for more information about Osido

 

 

/0 Comments/by

Gilberts helps deliver net zero in Newcastle

 

Leading air movement specialist Gilberts Blackpool has played a key role in helping the new Callerton Academy in Newcastle achieve carbon neutral status.

The £39m new school has capacity for 1400 pupils over its campus of a three-storey teaching building and adjoining dedicated sports facility.

Designed and built to ‘fabric first’ principles, Callerton Academy features diverse green building services technologies designed to achieve NZCIO (net zero carbon in operation). The sustainable technologies include cross ventilation designed and engineered by Gilberts, a green roof, photovoltaic panels and an air heat source pump.

Leybourne Urwin building services engineers working for TGA Consulting Engineers and principal contractor Morgan Sindall had the task of delivering the sustainable goals. Leybourne Urwin chose Gilberts for the air movement specialist’s technical ability to answer the scheme’s challenges of balancing intense energy usage with net zero operation.

Gilberts’ Mistrale Fusion Deo MFS-HR stand-alone hybrid ventilation with heat recovery units and Mistrale 75 passive natural ventilation units now feature across the building’s facades.

With its high heat recovery capability which out-performs any similar units on the market, the MFS-HR system ensures airflow into and out of the teaching spaces and administration offices is in line with latest Department for Education (DfE) criteria. Simultaneously, MFS-HR optimises heat extraction from the exhaust/used air thus reducing energy requirement for maintaining the optimal internal temperature.

MFS-HR’s performance is proven to reduce the ventilation energy required by up to 20%, and to reduce the heat pump size and photovoltaic panel requirement by 7%. MFS-HR replaces alternative mechanical ventilation plant. It is also best in class for thermal performance (<1.0W/m2K), air tightness and air leakage (<3m3/hr/m2). Its combined benefits thus also positively impact build costs, reduce building services plant and cut weight loading on the roof.

By designing the teaching spaces to include both the hybrid ventilation with heat recovery MFS-HR and natural ventilation Mistrale 75s, the little fan energy used by the ventilation systems could be even further reduced: when outdoor temperatures and conditions were suitable, dampers on the Mistrale 75 open to optimise natural- and therefore free/zero energy- air movement.

Gilberts natural ventilation penthouse louvre units have been installed on the green roof of the main building. The penthouses service air to upper floor classrooms, with each air movement unit featuring an acoustic damper to control exhaust flow rate from each teaching space according to conditional requirements.

Gilberts penthouse roof ventilation terminals use physics to naturally harness air movement, drawing warm air from internal spaces such as corridors, stairwells and the sports hall via the stack effect and replacing it with fresh air from outside. No energy is required.

To address the specific project requirements, Gilberts engineered modifications to the standard penthouse design, including special access panels at drawing stage, facilitating the build process.

Explained Director at Leybourne Urwin Keiron Bennett:

“Callerton Academy sets a standard for future school construction. A school of its size requires intense energy usage- typically 35-50W/m2. To be as low carbon as possible, this necessitated on site energy generation and optimisation of every opportunity to cut energy wastage.

“We undertook in-depth analysis of products on the market in developing the strategy for Callerton Academy. Gilberts was the clear leader in terms of performance and quality. Its team gave us invaluable support throughout the design and construction, on paper helping us meet the NZCIO challenge.”

Gilberts’ Mistrale Fusion Deo MFS-HR is fast becoming the chosen hybrid ventilation with heat recovery system in non-domestic environments. Since its launch less than two years ago, it has exceeded sales targets by 250+% and been short-listed for two industry awards.

Gilberts’ natural ventilation has long been at the forefront of zero-energy ventilation solutions, building on Gilberts’ reputation for British engineering innovation, built over 60 years.

Gilberts continues to lead the way in sustainable ventilation, setting new standards for future educational and commercial projects at its 140,000 sq ft head office and production facility.

CLICK HERE for details of Gilberts’ natural and hybrid ventilation systems

 

/0 Comments/by

Airtech Calls For Urgent Government Action to Support Radon Awareness Week

 

Airtech, the condensation, mould and radon specialists, is once again supporting UK Radon Awareness Week (3-9th November 2025) by helping raise awareness of the radioactive gas. Run by the UK Radon Association (UKRA), the 2025 campaign theme is ‘Invisible Gas, Visible Risk’, with the UKRA calling on the Government to improve awareness in homes, schools and workplaces. This year, Airtech is backing the UKRA’s appeal for strong Government action to tackle the hidden threat posed by radon gas. The UKRA has written an open letter to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, calling for decisive steps to reduce the UK’s exposure to this ‘invisible killer’.

Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and is responsible for over 1,100 deaths every year across the UK. Despite its significant impact, public awareness remains low, and many buildings in known radon areas have never been tested.

“We are proud to support UK Radon Awareness Week and to back the UK Radon Association’s appeal for stronger Government action to tackle the hidden threat posed by radon gas. Awareness of radon and its health risks remains surprisingly low, and we’re committed to raising awareness about this colourless, odourless radioactive gas,” says Katie Scott, Channel Marketing Manager at Airtech. “By encouraging homeowners, landlords, and employers to learn about radon, test for it, and take action if needed, we aim to protect more people from its potential impact on lung health. At Airtech, we offer both testing and remediation services to help ensure properties are safe from elevated radon levels.”

“This is a moment for the Government to do what governments before have failed to do and show real leadership around radon,” Dr Maria Dugdale, UK Radon Association Chair said. “By taking simple, coordinated action now, we can prevent unnecessary suffering, save lives, and protect future generations.”

 

In its letter, the UKRA urges the Government to take three key actions:

 

  • Launch a national communications campaign for schools, ensuring every school is aware of its legal responsibilities to assess and manage radon levels. Evidence suggests that as many as two-thirds of schools in radon-affected areas have not yet carried out testing, potentially leaving over 100,000 children at risk.

 

  • Extend awareness to nurseries and early years providers, including privately operated settings that have often been missed by previous initiatives.

 

  • Provide radon information through local health services and health visitors, enabling families to understand the risk in their homes and take steps to protect themselves.

 

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced by the breakdown of uranium in rocks and soil. It can build up inside buildings, particularly in ground-floor and basement spaces. Long-term exposure increases the risk of developing lung cancer. Children are especially vulnerable due to their smaller lung capacity and faster breathing rates.

Although simple and cost-effective solutions exist to reduce radon levels, such as improved ventilation or installation of specialist mitigation systems, the issue remains under-recognised within national public health policy.

The UK Radon Association and its members are using this year’s Radon Awareness Week, themed “Invisible Gas, Visible Risk”, to highlight the need for stronger government engagement, consistent public messaging, and wider understanding of radon risks across the UK.

Airtech offers a complete solution to help protect properties from the risks caused by radon gas with over 30 years of experience in radon prevention. The company offers a full range of products and services, from radon testing to full remediation of housing stock.

CLICK HERE

for more information and to find out how Airtech Solutions can help finding the right ventilation solution

 

OR click here to email Airtech Solutions

 

OR call 01823 690 29

 

 

/0 Comments/by

Two New Models of Air-to-Water Heat Pumps Using Natural Refrigerant R290

 

MHI Thermal Systems Launches Two New Models of Air-to-Water Heat Pumps Using Natural Refrigerant R290 for European Market 

Use of R290, a natural refrigerant with a low environmental impact, responds to stricter environmental regulations in Europe 

New design featuring a black exterior with silver line for a refined appearance that suits a wide range of installation environments 

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Thermal Systems, Ltd. (MHI Thermal Systems), a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, has added two new models to its “Hydrolution EZY” series of air-to-water (ATW) heat pumps for the European market that utilize R290 (propane). This is a natural refrigerant with low environmental impact and high energy efficiency. The new models have capacities of 6kW and 7.1kW and are scheduled for release this winter.

ATW heat pumps extract heat from the air to supply cold and hot water for domestic water supply, heating, and cooling, replacing traditional fossil-fueled boilers.

The models added to the lineup are monobloc types in which the water heat exchanger is housed in an outdoor unit, with only water piping required. Compared to split-type ATWs, which require the refrigerant pipe connections between an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, installation is easier.

The R290 refrigerant used in these models has a very low environmental impact*1 while retaining high energy efficiency. This is particularly important for the European market, as environmental regulations are tightened.

Modifications that allow the use of R290 also enable the units to maintain a flow temperature of 75°C in a wide range of environments, from an outside temperature of -25°C, to 43°C, meaning the unit can be relied upon for heating and domestic hot water applications even in the coldest regions. These latest models, in addition to high-temperature water-heating capabilities, are silent and easy to install, with only water piping and an electricity supply to the outdoor unit required. When operating at maximum capacity, the 6kW model has a sound pressure level, a measure of noise intensity, of just 34dB(A)*2. The unit also has a quiet mode for reduced operating noise, providing flexibility to comply with noise regulations in densely populated residential areas.

In addition, as a safety measure, the units are equipped with a refrigerant leak detection sensor. In the event of a leak, the unit will stop running, and a fan engaged to dissipate any escaped refrigerant.

In order to better integrate into a range of installation environments across Europe, including residential areas, the models have been visually redesigned with an understated, modern appearance. The front of the now all-black unit is fitted with a fan guard accented with a silver vertical line and is designed to make it difficult to see the fan from an oblique direction.

By promoting the transition from boiler combustion using fossil fuels that emit high concentrations of CO2, to ATW using electricity, Hydrolution EZY can make a significant contribution to carbon neutrality in European countries, and the achievement of MHI Group’s MISSION NET ZERO.

In October 2021, MHI Group announced its MISSION NET ZERO declaration to achieve carbon neutrality across the entire corporate group by 2040 by reducing CO2 emissions from its own plants and other production-related facilities, as well as through reductions in the CO2 emissions at customer facilities that use MHI Group products.

Going forward, MHI Thermal Systems will continue to develop environmentally friendly technologies and products that take advantage of the breadth of the refrigeration and heating sector, and contribute to carbon neutrality in Europe and countries around the world.

 

WEBSITE

/0 Comments/by

EJOT’s Anchor Fix 2025 software makes anchor dimensioning and selection even easier

 

Free to download, EJOT’s Anchor Fix enables different fastening options to be compared

with ease, and it allows the modular design concept for the LIEBIG range of heavy

duty anchors to be fully utilised for the first time in a digital environment.

 

A new version of EJOT’s Anchor Fix software makes the process for developing anchoring designs and specifications for heavy-duty and safety-critical applications easier than ever.

The software, which is free to download from the EJOT website, enables different fastening options within the EJOT through-bolt, resin anchoring and LIEBIG heavy-duty anchor ranges to be compared with ease. To date, Anchor Fix has been downloaded by thousands of engineers and technicians around the world who have been able to streamline their anchor dimensioning and calculation process to save time and cost.

Increased flexibility is the key benefit of the comprehensively updated version of this popular anchor dimensioning software, with new functionality to compare both standard and bespoke fastening options for different applications for the first time. It also allows the safest approach to be calculated in line with all applicable standards and design codes, and for the most appropriate products to be determined with confidence.

A key upgrade from the original version of Anchor Fix is the ability to carry out a design specifically according to the application requirements, rather than being constrained by the restrictions of the current design code EN 1992-4 (Eurocode 2: Design of concrete structures – Design of fastenings for use in concrete).

EJOT’s range of high performing anchoring solutions is supported by extensive technical guidance and on-site testing.

This is an important expansion to the software’s scope, enabling designs to be developed where the baseplate and anchor geometry falls outside of the scope of the design code. In addition, all calculations are backed with accurate and up to date code compliance or engineering judgment for all design outputs.

This means Anchor Fix’s new capabilities allow the modular design concept of the LIEBIG range of heavy-duty anchors to be fully utilised for the first time in a digital environment. Designs can be achieved using readily available special-length anchors which are covered under the same ETA approvals as all standard-length anchors, increasing the flexibility available within Anchor Fix and improving the speed of design for specifiers and engineers alike.

Another important feature improved in the latest Anchor Fix is the process for optimising cost and efficiency. Identifying the most cost-effective anchor to meet all of the design input requirements is now more straightforward, and it also assists when tasked with value engineering a solution to achieve a reduction in the total installed cost without compromising performance.

Paul Papworth, EJOT UK’s anchoring specialist said:

“Anchor Fix 2025 builds on the strengths of the original version of the software by providing extra functionality, particularly to leverage the value of bespoke length anchors available within our modular LIEBIG range. Mechanical anchors including Ultraplus and Superplus BLS can be produced in custom-lengths to meet the requirements of even the most challenging anchoring projects, which is why we wanted to ensure Anchor Fix made these options available at the design stage.

“In creating Anchor Fix 2025, our developers have achieved a new software release which is still based on the latest ETA data, the latest design approach, governed by EN1992-4, but with the ability to plot the actual connection design within the program as a non-regular baseplate or anchor group arrangement. This, in turn, will yield multi-product options supported by a report referencing the EN standard and/or manufacturer verification of the calculation.

“Once the anchoring design and specification is confirmed and work begins on site, EJOT’s support continues with installation trials and tool-box-talks to ensure installers are correctly trained to achieve the optimum results. This gives us the opportunity to partner with designers and contractors from ‘Concept through Construction to Commissioning’ – it is what we call our 3C total support approach.”

 

A scope-broadening upgrade means Anchor Fix can now carry out a design specifically according to the application requirements, rather than being constrained by the current design code EN 1992-4.

 

Anchor Fix is part of an extensive package of support available from EJOT UK to help customers achieve the most effective anchoring solutions. The technical team, led by Paul Papworth, works closely with customers in a number of ways, including developing unique calculations for more complex anchoring projects, drawing on the complete EJOT and LIEBIG portfolio to make fully compliant recommendations.

In addition, EJOT UK has the facilities to conduct a variety of tests to confirm the performance of its proposed anchoring approach. This includes laboratory tests at its state-of-the-art research, development and testing facility, called the Applitec Centre, at its Yorkshire HQ and on-site pull-out tests.

CLICK HERE to find out more about Anchor Fix

 

 

/0 Comments/by

Can the grid keep up? As global temperatures rise so does the need for cooling

Tony Gittings, Rinnai Managing Director   

Can our electricity grids handle the heat – and can governments need to accommodate growing demand without infringing upon NetZero ambitions? Rinnai Managing Director Tony Gittings looks at the accelerated increases in demand for cooling technology due to global warming.

A requirement for properties to be cooled during summer months is becoming ever more sought after by both international and UK customers. Global temperatures have proven to be rising, largely due to human activity. Records have confirmed that 2024 was officially the warmest year on record and the first calendar year that the average global temperature exceeded 1.5°C above pre-industrial level.

In recent times the UK has also recorded the highest ever temperature, 40.3C on 19th July 2022 in Lincolnshire. Official Met Office data has confirmed that 2025 was the hottest summer since records began in 1884. From the 1st of June (2025) to 31st August, the average temperature was 16.10°C, 1.51°C above the long-term meteorological mean temperature. The previous record was set in 2018 and was recorded at 15.76°C.

Incidentally, all five of the hottest average temperatures recorded in the UK were in between 2002 and 2025. These officially recorded figures can be viewed as being indicative of a trend that demonstrates the local UK climate of increasing heat.

This official data highlights why air conditioning and cooling is fast becoming a burgeoning problem for the property stock during the UK summer period. It is estimated that 3% of UK homes currently have air conditioning, whilst some researchers have projected that as many as 79% of UK domiciles will contain cooling devices by 2085.

In well populated predominant countries such as China and the USA air conditioning is far more prevalent. Over in the USA around 90% of homes have air conditioning according to a 2020 federal-government survey. The number of homes in China that utilise air conditioning is around 60%. In Hong Kong 99% of dwellings possess AC units.

In the European block – where demand for building cooling has been historically lower when compared to the more humid and hotter climates of America and China, around 20% of private dwellings own air conditioning facilities. Of this percentage France accounts for 25% and in Germany only around 3% of homes are in ownership of cooling technology.

HVAC systems in all the aforementioned countries will experience an increase in demand not only in private accommodation but also in public and commercial premises.  A major future issue is now expected regarding the expansion of cooling AC systems: how will the increase of electricity production, distribution and usage affect NetZero ambitions across the globe? And how will international governments ensure the farming of reliable and responsible sources of power that will fuel additional pressure on separate national grids.

The UK government is in the process of drafting a “Cooling Outlook” document – which aims to present a series of measures that identify policy, data and practises which guarantee air conditioning is aligned with global cooling pledge commitments.

The Global Cooling Pledge (GCP) was established during COP28 by the United Arab Emirates. The GCP consists of a coalition of voluntary countries, cities and non-state organisations that are committed to reducing cooling-related emissions by 68% before 2050.

Further aims held by GCP members include increasing access to sustainable and responsible cooling by 2030 as well as improving the efficiency of new air conditioning units by 50%, also by 2030. The GCP further aims to absorb cooling into national and global climate goals and set forward ratified building standards that utilise strict and sustainable material procurement practises.

A key element of the GCP will be widespread international cooperation that will share gaps in policy, data and technological improvements. Countries that have signed up for the Global Cooling Pledge include: the US, Canada, UK, Germany, France, Spain and the Netherlands.

In relation to domestic UK framework, the precise purpose of the “Cooling Outlook” document will be to offer a single authorised paper of all aspects concerned with UK cooling; issues that will be explored and improved upon consist of policy refinement, cooling related data accumulation and sharing, government interdepartmental collaboration in creating a shared understanding of domestic cooling approach and promoting the adoption of sustainable cooling technology.

A majority of air conditioning units are powered by electricity and renewable sources of fuel such as wind or solar. European gross electricity consumption in the year 2023 shows that 45.3% was derived from renewable sources. UK figures from between January 2024-2025 demonstrate that 42.3% of all generated electricity was cultivated via clean renewable resources.

Clean Chinese electrical generation is advancing far beyond any other nation with rapid construction of multiple renewable installations. It was reported in June 2025, that China had installed 93GW of solar capacity in May 2025 “100 solar panels every second.” Between January and May 2025, China had included 198GW of solar and 46GW of wind capacity into domestic operations, producing as much electricity as Turkey or Indonesia.

American electricity is dominated by natural gas where 43.1% of electrical output is produced via fossil fuels. But the second highest contributor to national electricity supplies is met by renewables who account for 21.4%.

As more utility scale renewable projects are added to European, UK, Chinese and American power grids, larger volumes of clean electricity can be accessed by air cooling technologies, meaning that AC units can be considered a clean utility.

Due to rising global and domestic UK temperatures the use of cooling technologies is projected to rise across all countries. As to limit any additional emissions that could be added to international and national carbon loads, preparations and measures that specifically focus on air conditioning must be implemented towards official environmental targets.

The Global Cooling Pledge (GCP) and the UK “Cooling Outlook” document are evidence that an increase in cooling systems used by buildings in summer are under serious observation.

Rinnai constantly monitors any movement in policy that affects commercial and residential heating, air conditioning and hot water options. Contractors, specifiers, system designers and consultants will be kept informed and updated on any news items that supply insight into potential adaptations of UK governmental and global energy direction.

RINNAI OFFERS CLEAR PATHWAYS TO LOWER CARBON AND DECARBONISATION
PLUS CUSTOMER COST REDUCTIONS FOR COMMERCIAL, DOMESTIC
AND OFF-GRID HEATING & HOT WATER DELIVERY

 

click here to learn more about Rinnai

 

  • Rinnai’s range of decarbonising products – H1/H2/H3 – consists of hot water heating units in gas/BioLPG/DME, hydrogen ready units, electric instantaneous hot water heaters, electric storage cylinders and buffer vessels, a comprehensive range of heat pumps, solar, hydrogen-ready or natural gas in any configuration of hybrid formats for either residential or commercial applications. Rinnai’s H1/2/3 range of products and systems offer contractors, consultants, and end users a range of efficient, robust, and affordable low carbon/decarbonising appliances which create practical, economic, and technically feasible solutions.
  • Rinnai is a world leading manufacturer of hot water heaters and produces over two million units a year, operating on each of the five continents. The brand has gained an established reputation for producing products that offer high performance, cost efficiency and extended working lives.
  • Rinnai products are UKCA certified, A-rated water efficiency, accessed through multiple fuel options and are available for purchase 24/7, 365 days a year. Any unit can be delivered to any UK site within 24 hours.
  • Rinnai offer carbon and cost comparison services that will calculate financial, and carbon savings made when investing in a Rinnai system. Rinnai also provide a system design service that will suggest an appropriate system for the property in question.
  • Rinnai offer comprehensive training courses and technical support in all aspects of the water heating industry including detailed CPD’s.
  • The Rinnai range covers all forms of fuels and appliances currently available – electric, gas, hydrogen, BioLPG, DME solar thermal, low GWP heat pumps and electric water heaters More information can be found on Rinnai’s website and its “Help Me Choose” webpage.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE RINNAI WEBSITE

or HERE to EMAIL RINNAI

CLICK HERE For more information on the RINNAI product range

 

/0 Comments/by

LIMESCALE PROTECTION – THE NUMBERS THAT ADD UP TO SIGNIFICANT SAVINGS

 

LIMESCALE PROTECTION IN COMMERCIAL HEATING & HOT WATER SYSTEMS

THE NUMBERS THAT ADD UP TO SIGNIFICANT SAVINGS

 

Rinnai’s Chris Goggin looks in detail at the cost savings in both time and energy costs that comes with effective scale protection to all systems.

Limescale within the heating & hot water systems at commercial sites across the UK is a common problem associated with hardwater areas. About 60% of mains water supplied in the UK is classified as ‘hard’ and this produces limescale deposits which reduce the efficiency of heating & water-heating appliances and systems. This means increased operating costs. Just 1.6mm of scale can reduce system efficiency by 12%.  This leads to greater costs on energy fuels and site time through remedial works combatting the limescale.

The existence of limescale, in a heating & hot water system, simply adds a significant cost. These repercussions from limescale build up can have a lot of negative outcomes, but most importantly it has significant effects on reducing the efficiency of water heating technology, in turn increasing the amount of energy needed to be consumed to meet hot water demands within commercial buildings.

Limescale increases the energy consumed as it impedes the heat transfer efficiency of plate heat exchangers, water heaters, and other technologies, therefore, forcing this technology to input more energy to retain the same level of performance.

This report aims to highlight the expected operating expenditure (OPEX) and carbon production savings when installing scale protection, compared to various thicknesses of scale buildup within DHW systems.

Industry studies show the figures regarding the percentage increase in energy usage as the thickness of scale increases. The graph below demonstrates that energy usage increases by 7% with every 1mm of scale build up.

Just recently the Rinnai Technical Dept made a collective Case Study of three hotels – small, medium, and large.

  • A small three* hotel with twenty-five rooms
  • A medium four* hotel with seventy-five rooms
  • A large five* hotel with 150 rooms

To conduct this study a gas system was sized for each archetype. The systems modeled for the sites are:

  • Small hotel – 2 x N1600 + 300L storage
  • Medium hotel – 6 x N1600 + 800L storage and
  • Large hotel – 16 x N1600 + 2000L storage, respectively.

The purpose of comparing different sized hotels is to show how the expected OPEX and carbon production savings increase as the size of the commercial building increases. This shows that scale protection is important for every system in a hard water area, and that the importance of this protection increases as the system size and hot water demand increases.

For the three* small hotel measured over a 10-year period as the thickness of scale increases from having no limescale to having 4mm of limescale results in showing that for every mm increase in limescale, the carbon production increases by 14,978kgCO2. Therefore, if scale increased to 4mm, the system would produce an additional 59,912kgCO2 compared to a fully protected system.

The output is similar from an operating costs perspective. For every mm increase in scale thickness, the operating cost to run the DHW system, for a small 3* hotel, increases by £3,200. While if the scale thickness increases up to 4mm, the increase in costs totals to £12,799 over a 10-year forecast period, which is a percentage increase of 28%.

The second case study looks at a medium sized hotel and a higher star rating, which suggests higher hot water demand. This increase in hot water demand along with increased scale thickness portrays even higher carbon production and operating costs differences compared to a fully protected DHW system.

Results here show that for every mm increase in scale within a DHW system, the increase in carbon production and operating costs is 40,864kgCO2 and £8,829, respectively. Therefore, when comparing a fully protected system to a system with a scale buildup of 4mm it shows forecasted carbon and OPEX savings of 163,465kgCO2 and £34,677 over a 10-year forecast period.

The final case study looks at the top of the range, large 4* hotel, as means to highlight how important scale protection is as a site’s hot water demand grows. As seen by the graphics one & two, the increase in carbon and OPEX per mm of scale build up is 101,793kgCO2 and £21,820, respectively. Therefore, comparing a DHW with 4mm of scale to a fully protected system with no scale, the expected savings for an archetype hotel of this size for carbon and OPEX, over a 10-year period, are 401,049kgCO2 and £86,684, respectively.

Fig 1: Carbon Production at different scale thicknesses over a 10-year forecast (2025 – 2034)

 

Fig 2: Operating costs at different scale thicknesses over a 10-year forecast (2025 – 2034)

 

IN summary – WHY prevent and protect from limescale build UP?

 

Increases energy efficiency: Improves heat transfer, which will lead to lower fuel consumption.

  • Lowers maintenance costs: Extends the life of equipment and reduces the need for manual cleaning.
  • Improves water quality: Cleaner surfaces in pipes and fixtures lead to better water hygiene.

Rinnai offers a range of products preventing limescale build -up and has a close working partnership with AQUABION®, a patented galvanic and electrolytic solution in a self-cleaning package.  In this process, minute amounts of high-purity zinc ions are released and react with calcite. Calcite crystals are modified into adhesion-neutral aragonite, which is simply discharged into the water.

Different to other water treatment units the patented AQUABION® operates without current, chemicals or magnets. The two swirling chambers each upstream and downstream agitates the water and is responsible for the self-cleaning effect of AQUABION® units themselves. AQUABION is both chemical and electricity free and is a fully recyclable water treatment system enabling both end users and water treatment providers to tackle the problems of limescale without impacting the environment. It serves as a viable alternative to a commercial water softener with its environmental benefits.

 

COMMERCIAL, DOMESTIC AND OFF-GRID HEATING

& HOT WATER DELIVERY

www.rinnai-uk.co.uk/about us/H3

 

  • Rinnai’s range of decarbonising products – H1/H2/H3 – consists of hot water heating units in gas/BioLPG/DME, hydrogen ready units, electric instantaneous hot water heaters, electric storage cylinders and buffer vessels, a comprehensive range of heat pumps, solar, hydrogen-ready or natural gas in any configuration of hybrid formats for either residential or commercial applications. Rinnai’s H1/2/3 range of products and systems offer contractors, consultants and end users a range of efficient, robust and affordable low carbon/decarbonising appliances which create practical, economic and technically feasible solutions.
  • Rinnai is a world leading manufacturer of hot water heaters and produces over two million units a year, operating on each of the five continents. The brand has gained an established reputation for producing products that offer high performance, cost efficiency and extended working lives.
  • Rinnai products are UKCA certified, A-rated water efficiency, accessed through multiple fuel options and are available for purchase 24/7, 365 days a year. Any unit can be delivered to any UK site within 24 hours.
  • Rinnai offer carbon and cost comparison services that will calculate financial, and carbon savings made when investing in a Rinnai system. Rinnai also provide a system design service that will suggest an appropriate system for the property in question.
  • Rinnai offer comprehensive training courses and technical support in all aspects of the water heating industry including detailed CPD’s.
  • The Rinnai range covers all forms of fuels and appliances currently available – electric, gas, hydrogen, BioLPG, DME solar thermal, low GWP heat pumps and electric water heaters More information can be found on Rinnai’s website and its “Help Me Choose” webpage.

 

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE RINNAI WEBSITE

or HERE to EMAIL RINNAI

CLICK HERE For more information on the RINNAI product range

 

/0 Comments/by

EJOT CROSSFIX® helps shape the future of sustainable housing

   

The construction of two apartment buildings within the ground-breaking Climate Innovation District urban regeneration project in Leeds demonstrates how the EJOT CROSSFIX® substructure system can be used to incorporate rainscreen facades into highly sustainable buildings, without vastly increasing insulation depth.

Developed by Citu in partnership with one of Scandinavia’s leading architectural practices, White Arkitekter, and civil and structural engineers Civic, the scheme is creating an entire new sustainable neighbourhood with high quality urban housing. Over 500 low energy homes with integrated amenities have been created to a design that has been PHPP (Passive House Planning Package) assessed.

The development’s two apartment buildings, known as volumes, feature a mix of private sale and affordable housing in line with the planning consent, with nine social rent apartments and seven sub-market intermediate units incorporated.

Both volumes, named Aire Lofts and District Lofts, are constructed using a steel structure with composite metal deck floors and a light gauge steel framing system. This facilitates a rear ventilated façade (RVF) featuring two types of Swisspearl fibre cement panels externally, providing a consistent aesthetic across both multi-storey buildings, which rise up to 10 floors in height.

EJOT CROSSFIX® was selected to provide the critically important substructure because it enabled the construction of a highly insulated façade without compromising aesthetics, with the added benefit of streamlining installation.

Meeting multiple performance goals

The entire façade of District Lofts was constructed by Hansen Facades using CROSSFIX, in conjunction with main contractor Artium Construction. It was chosen following its successful deployment on Aire Lofts, where the system’s versatility and effectiveness were first recognised by Citu after it was used for secret-fix panels used to demarcate duplex apartments at the ground and first floor levels.

The EWS1 (External Wall System 1) rating of the facades for both volumes meant that the materials used in their construction, inclusive of specified attachments, had to be A1 ‘non-combustible’, signifying the best possible rating with minimal fire risk. Optimising the fire performance included the incorporation of FSi open and closed state cavity barriers, along with RCM Y-Wall A1 non-combustible sheathing boards.

These fire safety objectives were balanced with thermal and ventilation goals. Given the high thermal requirements, the substructure cavity had to be sufficiently deep to accommodate Rockwool Duo-Slab insulation with a thickness of 250mm and maintain the required ventilation for a system of this type.

The deep layer of insulation was one of the most important façade components needed for both buildings from a thermal perspective. The facades had to meet a weighted U Value (based on a typical subframe arrangement) of 0.13 W/m²k, which was key to delivering on the developer’s commitment to providing homes with heating energy demand around five times lower than the average UK house. However, CROSSFIX was also instrumental in making this high level of thermal performance a reality.

 

A sustainable façade enabler

The CROSSFIX substructure consisted of a 220mm Konsole K1 in A2 stainless steel, complete with the Powerkey for enhanced structural stability in the same metal grade, which supported L, Z and T profiles. The EJOT package was completed with five types of stainless steel fasteners to provide secure assembly with consistent performance.

CROSSFIX’s stainless steel composition made an important contribution to meeting the façade’s thermal performance goals given its very low thermal conductivity, which minimises the potential for thermal bridging. Coupled with a thermal stop incorporated into the CROSSFIX Konsole, this meant the facade’s U-value is lower than it would have been if other types of substructures had been used with the same thickness of insulation.

In addition, considering the whole life cycle of the products, CROSSFIX is mainly formed of recyclable stainless steel which requires significantly less energy to manufacture compared to the materials used in other RVF substructure systems – confirmed by an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD).

A smart solution for modern construction methods

The multiple sustainability benefits provided by CROSSFIX, enhanced further through the ‘non-flammable’ fire resistance rating of the system and a unique design flexibility that enables it to be used in both horizontal and vertical assembly, means it aligns well with the higher efficiency, safety and quality targets demanded in modern construction.

In addition, at the Climate Innovation District, valuable efficiency benefits were delivered because CROSSFIX does not require special or handed brackets in areas of the façade where space is limited, such as between windows and other openings. The versatility of the substructure also meant that one subframe system could be used for both the secret-fix and face-fixed cladding.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE

 

/0 Comments/by

New halogen-free acoustic insulation from Armacell

 

  • ArmaComfort® NH-S Alu – high-performing multi-layer solution in space-saving design
  • Excellent fire performance: B-s1,d0
  • Visually attractive and easy-to-clean aluminium foil covering
  • Highly flexible, easy to cut and install
  • Also available as self-adhesive material

 

Armacell, a global leader in flexible foam for the equipment insulation market and a leading provider of engineered foams, is expanding its acoustic product portfolio with the launch of ArmaComfort NH-S Alu, a halogen-free multi-layer acoustic insulation material for air ducts, fan coil units and pipe lagging in residential and commercial buildings. Combining excellent sound reduction properties with outstanding fire performance and environmental credentials, this product the new material sets a new benchmark for acoustic lagging in modern building services.

 

Tackling noise at the source

Noise has become one of the greatest environmental issues of recent times. Whether at work, in public buildings or at home, unwanted sound can disrupt concentration, disturb sleep, and impair quality of life. Mitigating noise from building services at the design stage is essential for maintaining acoustic comfort throughout a building’s lifecycle. Early use of high-performance insulation materials can prevent costly retrofits and enhance occupant well-being.

 

High-performance multi-layer acoustic insulation

ArmaComfort NH-S Alu combines mass, damping, and decoupling into a single product – composed of an EVA/EPM high-mass acoustic barrier effectively blocking airborne noise, and an ArmaFlex® damping layer minimising noise by reducing vibration. This combination addresses a wide frequency spectrum – from low-frequency vibrations to high-pitched noise. Installed on vertical pipes, it can reduce noise by up to 16 dB(A) – and by as much as 24 dB(A) on horizontal pipe sections. When used as a duct wrapping solution, ArmaComfort NH-S Alu can achieve a reduction of 10 dB(A) – a level typically perceived as halving the loudness.

 

Minimising the risk of fire damage

Based on a highly innovative halogen-free foam technology, ArmaComfort NH-S Alu achieves Euroclass B-s1,d0, the highest fire classification attainable for organic materials. It emits up to 10 times less smoke than conventional elastomeric insulation, improving visibility and evacuation conditions. Being free from halogens, the material is especially suitable for sensitive environments such as hospitals, hotels, schools, and pharmaceutical facilities.

Health- and environment-friendly

ArmaComfort NH-S Alu is free from halogens, lead, bitumen, and fibres, making it ideal for applications with strict indoor air quality requirements. It supports green building certification schemes such as LEED®, BREEAM® and MINERGIE® Eco, with product-specific compliance documentation available. Thanks to its high water vapour diffusion resistance, it provides long-term condensation control.

 

Thin, highly flexible and easy to install

Despite its high acoustic performance, ArmaComfort NH-S Alu features a slim profile that is ideal for installation in tight spaces. It is available as standard and self-adhesive sheets, and its visually appealing aluminium surface ensures robust protection, eliminates the need for additional cladding, and provides a consistent, professional finish. Armacell supports contractors and specifiers with expert guidance and offers tailored training sessions and project-specific assistance upon request.

 

“Install it. Enjoy quietness. ArmaComfort NH-S Alu is the ideal pipe and duct lagging solution for specifiers and installers looking for a safe, flexible and high-performance acoustic insulation material that also meets the demands of modern sustainable construction,” says Pascal Raphoz, Director Global Acoustics at Armacell.

 

For more information, please visit: www.armacell.com

 

/0 Comments/by

ARBOSHIELD Pro® range of self-adhesive and pasted Class A and B membrane systems

CARLISLE® provides complete ARBOSHIELD Pro® range of self-adhesive and pasted Class A and B membrane systems

CARLISLE®, the waterproofing and building envelope specialist, has extended the company’s market-leading ARBOSHIELD Pro® fire-rated façade systems range with the launch of two new pasted fire-resistant membrane systems. The new products mean that specifiers can now choose both the fire-rating and installation method best-suited to their project from CARLISLE®’s independently tested EN 13501-1 certified range.

The launch of the ARBOSHIELD® Pro Class A2 Pasted Façade System (ARPS) and ARBOSHIELD Po® BRPS Class B Pasted Façade System means that both A2-s1,d0 and B-s1,d0 reaction to fire classifications are available from CARLISLE® in a choice of self-adhesive or pasted solutions, all providing high performance, durability and buildability.

ARBOSHIELD® Pro ARPS is the non-combustible, pasted EPDM alternative seal and interface sealing membrane system for windows and structural openings that delivers A2-s1, d0 fire classification for higher risk buildings.

ARBOSHIELD Pro® BRPS is CARLISLE®’s Class B s1,d0 rated pasted façade membrane system, which has been fully tested and certified as Class W1 rated.  While many Class B-rated pasted façade membrane systems on the UK market carry only a Class B s3, d0 rating, ARBOSHIELD Pro® BRPS has an industry-leading ‘s1’ certification for risk of smoke in the event of a fire, which means it is more effective at limiting smoke.

Both new additions to the range are designed to seal window and structural openings and provide a high-performance interface sealing membrane. Each has been rigorously tested as a complete system, with both membrane and adhesive designed to work seamlessly together and certified as a cohesive system.

Across the full self-adhesive and pasted range, the membrane systems have been developed to ensure reliable performance and optimal compatibility with various surfaces, delivering a robust barrier against water ingress and air leakage, which supports long-term structural integrity, energy efficiency, fire safety, and compliance.

Mark Halliday, Head of Technical for CARLISLE’s ARBO® brand in the UK explains:

“The addition of the ARBOSHIELD Pro® ARPS and BRPS systems to the range reflects our strategy of responding to market feedback and investing in building on the choice available to specifiers and installers with variety of options to meet the needs of any project, including rainscreens, ventilated façades, high-rise buildings and high-risk buildings (HRBs).

 “The specification of fire-rated façade membranes needs to reflect the level of risk for the building, the available budget, and buildability considerations and our range offers high performance from a trusted façade specialist at a competitive price. Our goal is always to go above and beyond the solutions already available to provide greater choice, backed by the expertise of our team and our high standards of technical support.”

A cost-effective solution that delivers premium performance without a premium price tag, the ARBOSHIELD Pro® ARPS and BRPS systems offer ease of installation alongside excellent value, with a traditional, intuitive ‘paste and apply’ method that reduces the risk of installation errors. This is because the systems have been developed with a high-performance initial bond, which simplifies handling and enables installers to correct and perfect installation for an optimised finish every time. Developed to adhere effectively to a wide range of common building materials, including bricks, concrete, uPVC, and aluminium, they provide a versatile solution for BSR-compliant watertight and airtight façade build-ups, aligned to the risk profile and specification requirements for the building.

 

Mark Halliday adds: “The extension of our ARBOSHIELD Pro® range to include our A2 and B-rated ARBOSHIELD Pro® ARPS and BRPS pasted systems offers a choice of solutions that specifiers can trust for their performance, while installers will love the buildability and versatility benefits. Meanwhile, these systems also go beyond anything else currently available as a pasted system for safety and performance at a competitive price point.

“Our focus is on providing a full ARBOSHIELD Pro® range of fire-rated façade membranes that enable specifiers, façade installers and main contractors to select a solution aligned to the risk factors for their building, the design of their project, and their buildability considerations.”

 

/0 Comments/by