LED is the Jewel in Lighting’s Crown

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By Stephen Hurrell, Managing Director, Aurora Group UK Projects

There are several misconceptions about LED lighting, principally that LED lighting prices will go down so it pays to wait; LEDs are so efficient that controls are unnecessary; and that LEDs don’t work well in high-temperature environments.

According to the Energy Savings Trust, LED offers best value for money in lighting today; the price of fittings has come down and, at the same time, performance has improved significantly.

The Carbon Trust advocates LED as its number one efficiency recommendation. LeaUnknown-2ding website www.environmentalleader.com reports that while switching to LEDs creates a one-time savings event – typically reducing lighting energy use by up to 50% – integrated sensing and controls can nearly double those energy savings, making controls essential for maximum savings and project economics.

And did you know that by using LED in construction, it significantly contributes to the BREEAM rating of a building as it typically halves energy consumption of traditional light sources. Miniaturisation has also led to a significant reduction in raw materials utilised in manufacture.

Artificial lighting in buildings is usually categorised in three ways. The ‘Ambient’ lighting function provides light to the space to an accepted level. ‘Accent’ lighting highlights certain features and/or attributes. ‘Task’ lighting illuminates specific working areas to aid visibility.

Lighting Performance

The four key criteria governing LED performance are thermal management, optical control, efficacy of light and reliability of power. So, what are the guiding principles of best practice in quality manufacturing?

Heat has a negative impact on any LED light source’s performance. The next generation in thermal management dissipates heat away from the LED chip, providing higher quality, brighter light for longer.  There’s also been continuous improvement in efficacies of LED chips so the higher the lumens per watt, the better.

Look for products warranted to L70 to a stated number of hours.  This means you can expect a light output of 70% of the lumen performance stated at that period of time e.g., a 1000 lumen LED luminaire will deliver at least 700 lumens after six years, based on burning 4000 hours per year.

An emerging trend in construction is to insulate the ceiling void by ‘blowing in’ loose fill insulation as an alternative to loose-laid products. Loose fill completely encloses the fitting which could affect LED performance in inferior downlights.

 Biodynamic lighting

Light controls our biological or body clock and this is known as the circadian rhythm. New to the market, biodynamic LED lighting allows people to control their environment according to need, mood and task, which can improve performance and motivation. Changing the colour temperature of the artificial lightsource (e.g. from extra warm to warm through to cool) can have a dramatic effect. Biodynamics is particularly suitable for dynamic interior projects, retail applications, and in healthcare and homes for the elderly.

 Regulatory compliance

Lighting design is a complex issue and part of a quality manufacturer’s role is to develop bespoke schemes which will comply with regulations. A revised version of the Building Regulations, Part L (2013), came into force in April 2014. BIM LEVEL 2 was introduced as a requirement for all government construction projects this April 2016.

Enlite’s LED value solution

The Aurora Group has responded to increased demand for LED by engineering the Enlite range of 250+ “Lighting Essentials”. Enlite offers Offsite’s varied modular business model the best in value, quality and performance to meet specifications and budgets.

Firm Enlite LED favourites in the MMC sector are the E8TM 8W integrated fire rated downlights with halogen like appearance, the ultra-slim E6060 TM 600mm2 flat panels for commercial applications, the UniPac TM and LinearPac TM IP65 linear anti-corrosives which replace traditional T8s and the vandal resistant Orbital TM IP66 bulkhead.

 

Call: +44 (0) 1727 83 66 11 or visit http://enlitelighting.com
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BIM TOP OF THE AGENDA FOR ACTAVO | BUILDING SOLUTIONS

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Jim GowanQ&A with Jim Gowan, Design Manager at Actavo | Building Solutions

 By July 2016, all construction companies tendering for government projects must be Building Information Modelling (BIM) compliant. Jim Gowan, design manager at Actavo | Building Solutions, explains what BIM is and how offsite construction is leading the way.

Actavo | Building Solutions specialises in offsite construction. How does offsite build go hand-in-hand with BIM?

BIM is absolutely the way forward because it is driving the use of offsite construction. For the first time, offsite construction is equal to traditional build. Although initial costs are comparative, the whole-life cost and efficiencies weigh in favour of offsite – the speed of build and reduced time onsite delivers tangible benefits for modular over traditional build.

At Actavo | Building Solutions, we are always looking for ways to innovate and make working environments safer and more sustainable. Actavo strives to help extend a building’s design life, exploit advances in materials and improve sustainability and energy efficiency.

Actavo | Building Solutions works in line with PAS1192, which is the framework upon which BIM is built, to ensure we meet clients’ requirements, and identify all potential pitfalls with resolutions implemented prior to construction commencing.

BIM and offsite construction go hand-in-hand with government aims to reduce costs through improved resource efficiency and advanced data management.

A tangible mechanism, BIM encourages the consideration of offsite solutions as early as possible in the project planning process. Through the integration of BIM, Actavo | Building Solutions can optimise manufacturing and reduce installation time, whilst providing clients with coordinated 3D designs, visualisations and spatial layouts.

Modular build is making the construction industry safer, as buildings are manufactured in a more controlled environment and build times are considerably shorter – just four weeks in some cases.

What is the impact of BIM in facilitating the offsite process?

Offsite manufacturing and BIM both serve as valuable solutions in terms of improving performance of the construction industry.

Modular technologies are improving the speed and quality of construction delivery. Using BIM with these technologies will mean that much larger-scale facilities can be modelled with increased accuracy, giving the confidence that projects will progress quickly as any potential issues are resolved within the 3D design environment.

Is Actavo | Building Solutions working on any BIM projects at the moment?

Actavo is now working to BIM Level 2 standards, one of our most recent being a £1.9 million classroom complex to Granard Primary School in the heart of London.

Compliant with BIM Level 2 requirements, we designed and delivered the sustainable, two-storey block comprising eight classrooms, an open learning studio which acts as a breakfast and after-school care facility, cloakrooms, WCs, kitchen facilities and staffrooms.

Actavo began onsite works at Granard in January 2015, with the standalone complex handed over in August 2015, meaning the project – from initial design to full completion – took just 22 weeks.

What advantages does BIM allow your clients?

Since implementing BIM Level 2 into Actavo | Building Solutions, we have enhanced our customer experience. Providing 3D visualisations and interactive walkthroughs allows clients to fully explore all aspects of their building and its interface before any fabrication or erection works commence. Using BIM technologies provides more accurate project pricing and allows clients to see a more precise building timeline.

All our design chain feeds into a single coordinated model so that when adaptations happen, all our design team is fully aware, providing a reactive solution and ensuring that the design progresses on clients’ agreed paths.

By using BIM, we can also reduce the need for regathering and reformatting information which results in an increase in speed and accuracy even before the building begins to take shape onsite.

How is BIM implemented within Actavo | Building Solutions?

Actavo | Building Solutions has implemented and been working to BIM Level 2 standards since July 2015.

We are able to provide BIM Level 2-compliant designs, resulting in a high-quality building that has been engineered and designed to require minimal site works. With the majority of work being completed in a factory-controlled environment, the benefits of pre-construction clash detection and design interface detailing allow us to detect and resolve potential issues prior to manufacture commencing.

We’re always striving to develop our BIM practices and procedures and have our sights set on attaining BIM Level 3 designs which allows all parties to collaborate through one shared project model. Level 4 is more sophisticated, as it includes time modelling.  There is also talk of further levels such as ‘5D’, which includes cost management and ‘6D’ for facilities management purposes.

Actavo | Building Solutions consistently undertakes internal training to ensure all staff are up-to-date with the most recent developments. We look forward to evolving our BIM procedures and will integrate into BIM Level 3 and 4D planning in the near future.

How can the offsite construction industry benefit from BIM?

 Modular construction has grown in popularity over the past decade. The implementation of BIM in the construction industry will help contribute to the acceptance of offsite manufacturing as a modern method of construction.

Using BIM to facilitate better solutions for building by reducing costs, optimising schedules, generating models and improving design will provide fundamental support for the offsite construction industry.

For more information on Actavo please go to http://www.actavo.com/
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New moisture resistant weberfloor DPM damp proof system saves application time

Saint-Gobain Weber, the manufacturer of many innovative, high performance construction products and systems, and specialists in industrial and commercial flooring products, has introduced weberfloor DPM, a highly moisture tolerant, epoxy resin damp proof system.

weberfloor DPM has been designed to bond to concrete surfaces even when the concrete is still drying out and when it contains a high degree of moisture. It is a two coat system which is easy to apply to concrete and cement-based substrates as well as to Weber levelling compounds.

“This really is a hard working product,” says Tracey Dempster, marketing manager, Saint-Gobain Weber, “as weberfloor DPM supresses the passage of moisture by up to 98% and is resistant to a wide range of chemicals. Its ease of application reduces project timescales and allows early installation of floor finishes. It can also be used at temperatures as low as 5°C which allows winter working.”

weberfloor DPM contains a tin of resin and a bottle of hardener packaged in a 5.6kg box. Before application all surfaces must be mechanically sound, dry and clean; free from dirt, dust, grease or other contamination or coating. Laitance must also be removed from concrete.

Immediately after mixing, weberfloor DPM should be applied evenly and uniformly over the entire substrate using a brush or roller. When the first coat has partially cured, around six to eight hours depending on ambient temperature, a second coat should be applied. Immediately after this second application cover weberfloor DPM in a full sand scatter using 1-2mm of kiln dried sand.

After 12 hours, or overnight, the floor should be brushed and vacuumed to remove any loose sand particles and then primed with weberfloor 4716 in preparation to receive a Weber levelling compound. weberfloor DPM permits early overlaying with vinyl, carpets and resin based products without the conventional ‘drying out’ period required of concrete bases.

For more information about this product, or for technical support, please contact Saint-Gobain Weber on 08703 330 070, or visit www.netweber.co.uk. Customers in Ireland should call 028 9335 2999 or visit www.weber.ie.
A free download of the Weber app for iPhone and iPad users is also available from iTunes and from Google Play for Android smartphones and tablet users. Follow Saint-Gobain Weber on Twitter @SGWeberUK for the latest company news and updates.
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Rinnai takes major sports sponsorship with rugby super league team Widnes Vikings

Rinnai, the UK’s leading manufacturing supplier of hot water heating systems, is sponsoring one of the biggest names and contenders in rugby league – Widnes Vikings.

The Rinnai sponsorship with the club, which has achieved its highest ever Super League position this year, will ensure the Rinnai logo and brand name is displayed on the back of all Widnes players’ shorts. This will be the first time both parties have taken this unconventional but innovative style of sports sponsorship.

Tony Gittings, Managing Director Rinnai UK, says: “We are absolutely delighted to take a very active sponsorship with Widnes Vikings, one of the biggest names in Rugby League. We share a common belief and approach in values of excellence, innovation and responsibility to the wider community.

“Rinnai is a worldwide brand name in its field and has taken some major global sponsorships – including the Queensland Reds, The World Club World Cup event held January this year in Tokyo, the World Ice Skating Championships and the US Nascar competition held in Daytona, Las Vegas and other major American venues.

“Widnes Vikings are also local to our own UK headquarters so it is all an excellent fit. We look forward to working with the team and staff.”

Widnes Vikings CEO James Rule says: “2016 has been another landmark year for us as we achieved our highest ever league position in Super League history whilst leading pioneering community engagement initiatives such as the newly launched Game Changer programme.

“Our business and the success we produce on and off the field is driven by the quality of our people and it has been evident working with Rinnai that we are welcoming into the Widnes Vikings “One Club” family a committed partner staffed by quality people who buy into our vision and who want to play an integral role in moving forward with excellence”.

The sponsorship package will see the Rinnai name featured in several ’live’ televised games on Sky Sports and in TV shows such as BBC’s ‘The Super League Show’.

For more information on the RINNAI product range visit www.rinnaiuk.com.
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Hydro-Brake® Flow Control Series Launch Delivers Comprehensive Toolbox

Hydro International is launching The Hydro-Brake® Flow Control Series, a versatile toolbox of precision-engineered devices for surface water, watercourse, foul and combined sewer network control.

Building on Hydro International’s leadership in flow control technology for more than 35 years, the launch unites each product in the series with the reputation for quality and repeatable, high performance embodied in Hydro-Brake® brand name.

Comprising Hydro-Brake® Flood, Hydro-Brake® Optimum, Hydro-Brake® Agile and Hydro-Brake® Orifice, the Hydro-Brake® Flow Control Series provides sustainable, performance-optimised water attenuation and control, whatever the project.

Alex Stephenson, Market Development Director for Hydro International said: “The name Hydro-Brake® has always been synonymous with rigorous research and continuous product development. The Hydro-Brake® Flow Control Series now offers designers, developers and contractors scalable, precision flow control performance for every site and budget – from flows of just a few litres per second up to major flood defence schemes of many thousands of litres per second.

“In all parts of the UK, new regulations and technical guidance are driving forward the implementation of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) and improved flood defences, while water and sewerage providers are finding their networks stretched beyond the capacity for which they were first designed and constructed. Choosing from the Hydro-Brake® Flow Control Series will help problem-free progress though planning consents, construction and adoption.

“Choosing a Hydro-Brake® flow control means you can be sure of a device that is optimised for through-life value, to deliver buildable, predictable and maintainable projects.”

The Hydro-Brake® Flow Control Series comprises:

  • Hydro-Brake® Flood, a highly sustainable, precision-engineered vortex flow control for flood defence from small dispersed schemes to major watercourse control.
  • Hydro-Brake® Optimum, Hydro International’s flagship passive flow control device, independently accredited by both the BBA and WRc, the only vortex flow control for which the head and discharge relationship can be custom engineered for each design, saving space and costs.
  • Hydro-Brake® Agile, a float-activated flow control that achieves a constant rate of discharge, and therefore the minimum upstream storage over a wide range of heads, particularly suitable for constrained sites.
  • Hydro-Brake® Orifice, a precision-cut orifice plate that delivers cost-effective, precise flow control.

Hydro-Brake® Flow Controls can be supplied pre-fitted in precast, reinforced concrete chambers for quick and easy installation, with the potential to significantly reduce CDM (Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015) risks on site.

Designers and developers need to adapt their drainage designs to meet increasingly varied planning and environmental stipulations. Hydro International’s technical team is available to advise on correct flow control selection and design and ensure flow rates and upstream storage requirements are balanced to provide the best-possible drainage performance over the duration of a storm.

For more information about the Hydro-Brake® Flow Control Series, call the Hydro-Brake® Hotline on 01275 337937, email hydrobrake@hydro-int.com or visit www.hydro-int.com/en-gb/hydro-brake-flow-control-series.
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Fermacell boards dry-line a unique public/private gallery

Gypsum fibreboard panels from specialist supplier Fermacell were specified for the new home of one of the most historically significant private collections of fine and decorative arts, for their loading capabilities at least.

Some 4,000m2 of fermacell board was used to dry-line the walls, ceilings, bulkheads and external soffits of the award-winning gallery, the new home of the 5,000-strong Portland Collection, on the historic Welbeck estate in Nottinghamshire.

Designed by Hugh Broughton Architects, better known for the Halley VI relocatable research station in Antarctica, the £5 million gallery, which exhibits a rarely-shown Michelangelo drawing and a pearl earring worn by Charles I at his execution, is located within the historic walls of the so-called Tan Gallop, a former indoor ¼ mile racehorse training arena.

The brief from Welbeck’s charitable Harley Foundation was for a public building with longevity that had to display a finite number of works of art over three exhibition periods, meet the conditions for lending with national museums, and hold its own among the historic buildings already on the estate.

Hugh Broughton designed a brick and glass entrance pavilion with two galleries – a barrel-vaulted Long Gallery appropriate for full-length oil paintings and lit by a rooflight running its full length, complemented by a Treasure Gallery with louvered north lights and varying ceiling heights. These elements are supported by office, service, and loading and packing areas.

Much consideration was given to the colour for the collection’s setting, with the plain white frequently used for modern galleries retained for the preliminary reception spaces and visitor facilities and the display walls given over to mid tones – mid grey to deep red, supplemented inside individual showcases with green and a rich blue.

Its rural location and lack of a gas utility network meant electrically driven plant was required to heat and cool the 880m2 (GIA) building but the use of air-sourced heat pumps and 60kWp photovoltaic array has achieved an A-rated EPC, with the building predicted to emit only 5.04kg of CO2/m2 per annum.

The fermacell gypsum fibreboard panels were installed over five months by teams of up to eight men from The ALD Group for main contractor Caddick Construction onto fermacell steel profiles which allow greater build heights and slimmer walls as well as speedy installation. The panels were then treated with fermacell’s FST (Fine Surface Treatment) to give a skim-type finish.

At up to 100% more dense than standard plasterboard, which gives them their incredible racking strength, the 12.5mm square-edged fermacell panels provide a cost-effective single-layer solution to pattressing, being capable of carrying up to 50kg per cavity fixing and 30kg per screw for dead loads.

This negates the gallery having to plan particularly carefully in advance where items are to be hung and consequently where specific areas need to be pattressed, making the exhibition design scheme ultimately flexible and future-proof, and the wall section thinner than the traditional plasterboard/pattress combination.

ALD Group project manager Karl Angell said: “The project was certainly challenging and highly detailed, with various shadow gap details. These required a high level of thought and technical input. But the Fermacell products were faultless, particularly the FST.”

Greg Penate, project architect, Hugh Broughton Architects, who have specified fermacell for other projects including Maidstone Museum, said: “We specified fermacell for all the gallery spaces and entrance pavilion for its direct tile bonding application in wet areas, higher supporting strength per square metre (supporting large art/casings) and direct external canopy soffit application.”

Lisa Gee, director of The Harley Foundation, said: “The finished building and its displays draw on all our ideas and inspirations. The beautiful attention to detail in all of the finishes harks backs to the Harley Foundation’s commitment to craftsmanship and the mark of the hand.”

The new gallery for The Portland Collection has already won four RIBA East Midland Awards 2016 and a RIBA National Award 2016.

For more information please visit www.fermacell.co.uk.
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Flexible Billing for Residents at The Ladbroke Grove

The Ladbroke Grove development from Taylor Wimpey Central London, is part of the regeneration of Grand Union Centre, and includes both luxury apartments and homes for first-time buyers, close to Kensington and Chelsea. This mixed use scheme combines living and working, with office accommodation and retail units available alongside a high-quality development of apartments set around a private courtyard in W10.

Evinox Energy are delighted to be working with P R Morson on this outstanding development, supplying heat interface units and metering & billing services.

Design and sustainability

To reduce the environmental impact of the development, the apartments are all connected to a communal heating system, which supplies residents with thermal energy for heating and production of domestic hot water. System water is heated in a central plant room, distributed via pipework around the building and energy is transferred to residents via a ModuSat HIU.

The ModuSat HIU’s at The Ladbroke Grove include both an energy meter for heating and hot water, and an electricity meter, meaning residents will be billed for both utilities by Evinox Energy.

In Built Pre-Payment Facility

Evinox ModuSat HIU’s are supplied pre-payment or credit account ready, meaning there is no requirement for additional controls, sensors or hardware providing flexible metering options.

With most modern housing schemes being mixed use, the ability to operate a part credit billing and part pre-payment system on the same scheme is extremely desirable, and providing a future proof solution is a key advantage of the Evinox system, as it can be adapted to different tenant occupations. The ability to make changes remotely provides the ultimate in simplicity and flexibility at The Ladbroke Grove.

By combining smart HIU’s with excellent after-sales, end user support and flexible metering and billing services, the building owner has a hassle-free, sustainable development and residents enjoy a fantastic place to live.

Visit the Evinox Energy website today for more info, or contact on 01372 722277 / info@evinoxenergy.co.uk.
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Armstrong Ceilings’ TechZone™ system has been enhanced

Armstrong Ceilings has further simplified its ground-breaking TechZone™ system, which was the industry’s first easy-to-specify-and-install ceiling solution with integrated technical services, to be offered as a standard solution.

TechZone™, which was pioneering when it was launched in 2009, is now available as four standard layouts which easily organise lighting, air diffusers and returns into 100mm and 150mm wide technical zones.

A range of compatible fixtures from Armstrong’s partner companies for the building services elements (Trox for air diffusers and XAL and Zumtobel for lighting) have also been prequalified for fit and finish to give a clean, monolithic look using standard ceiling panels and suspension systems.

All specifiers have to do is design the layout from either Armstrong’s CAD/Revit library or their own imagination, then choose the field panels, technical panels, suspension systems and perimeter treatments.

Field panels are Armstrong’s Ultima+ and Ultima+ OP, Perla and Perla OP 0.95 and Optima mineral tiles and planks with Microlook 90 or SL2 edge profiles. These tiles and planks deliver environmentally and acoustically as Perla OP 0.95 was the first mineral tile in the world to be Cradle to Cradle certified, the Ultima+ range was the first mineral ceiling tile range in the world to be Cradle to Cradle certified, and the suspension system – the Prelude 15 XL2 grid – is now also Cradle to Cradle certified, making the complete system (tiles and grid) the ultimate green ceiling system. In addition, Perla OP 0.95, Ultima+ OP and Optima all deliver to sound absorption Class A.

The improved TechZone™ system has enabled Armstrong to meet the growing trend for linear lighting.

At the same time, Armstrong has teamed up with XAL Lighting to launch the On Centre linear lighting solution. It makes it even easier for architects and specifiers to create inspiring ceiling designs with higher ceiling heights, zero plenum interference and on-centre continuous or non-continuous layouts.

The unique solution is designed to be installed as a full new system but it can also be retrofitted to existing 600mm by 600mm ceiling modules to bring an even cleaner monolithic visual to open and closed-plan spaces in buildings such as offices, schools, hospitals and retail outlets.

The integrated system allows the high-performance XAL Leno Grid Led luminaire to be installed from below to eliminate the requirement for ceiling re-work when it is specified with factory-finished Armstrong ceilings panels (Ultima+, Ultima+ OP and Perla OP 0.95) and the Prelude 15 XL2 suspension system. It also integrates with Axiom pre-engineered perimeter systems and transitions and can be incorporated into canopies.

Architects and designers simply follow the TechZone™ specification phases of choosing a standard layout or creating their own, then choosing their panels, suspension systems, perimeter treatment and accessories. Armstrong’s 600mm by 600mm mineral tiles are typically used throughout, with the 600mm by 550mm brought in when there is a linear light to fit. Lighting strips can be as long as 2,400mm.

The new premium system gives an ultra-contemporary visual with the narrow 100mm linear lighting centred on the grid using standard ceilings and suspension systems to create custom looks. The lighting goes between and parallel to the grid main runners so only requires an additional hanger for installation, making it as quick and easy to install as standard systems.

TechZone™ incorporating linear lighting has its own dedicated CAD drawings available from Armstrong’s Architectural Specialities office and is covered by Armstrong’s 30-year system warranty*.

*For the Armstrong components, not XAL’s.

For more information please visit www.armstrongceilings.co.uk.
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Building to Passive House standards with PU insulation

A house built using polyurethane materials consumes 85% less energy than a home built from conventional materials. They can provide very high levels of insulation with minimal thickness which in turn allows architects and designers to maximise the use of interior spaces. It is perhaps no surprise then that when it came to the construction of a passive house in Belgium, polyurethane insulation materials were used to create a highly insulating building fabric. Three years on, has the Polyurethanes Passive House in Brussels and its very well insulated and sealed envelope provided a comfortable and healthy environment throughout the year?

The end-of-terrace four-storey family house developed by ISOPA, the European trade body for diisocyanate and polyol producers, was completed in Evere near Brussels in 2013. It is now occupied and working as a low energy test bed, its running costs and energy use closely measured to show the savings possible for homeowners.

While there are over 12,000 new build Passive House certified buildings across Europe, the ISOPA house is unusual in using a high proportion of PU to achieve its highly insulating fabric first design which reduces the need for heating and saves around 80% of the energy used by a normal house. PU insulation has been used wherever possible from wall cavities to the floor, and windows to the roof.

The house has been designed so that all of the construction elements work together in an integrated way, from the solar panels on the roof to the geothermal heat pump and MVHR system which ensures that warm fresh air circulates internally despite the high air tightness levels. The University of Leuven has been evaluating the home’s overall performance, energy use and indoor comfort levels which would verify whether the PU products as installed were really achieving the calculated performance levels.

The analysis of the data yielded an estimated heat loss coefficient of 60.0 W/K, with a standard deviation of 3.0 W/K. This indicates that the thermal performance of the building fabric meets the very high standards expected, which was instrumental to the project reaching the performance levels required for Passive House certification.

Known for the comfort they provide, polyurethanes are ideal for Passive House construction because they provide very high levels of insulation thanks to low thermal conductivity, meaning they provide reduced thickness increasing their affordability and reducing the impact on building footprints. As well as requiring fewer adjustments to be made to the design of buildings and less aesthetic compromises such as with deep window reveals, further cost savings on depth of eaves, joists, rafters or studs, lengths of fixings can be achieved. In short, the extremely low U-values required for Passive House projects can be much more easily achieved with PU than with other materials as far fewer changes to design detailing are required.

Rigid PIR insulation boards are also light but strong, moisture-resistant and easy to install, and they, as well as spray foam PUR insulation, retain their insulating properties for the life of the building. Last but not least, PU materials contribute to preservation of natural resources by reducing the need for energy which assists their sustainability credentials in Passive House projects.

With a daunting 80% reduction in carbon emissions on 1990 levels called for globally by 2050, such efforts to create practical ‘near zero energy’ houses are essential. With houses accounting for 40% of energy consumed across Europe, achieving the means of constructing new Passive Houses affordably using PU which can deliver the results while saving homeowners money is the realistic way forward, as demonstrated at the Polyurethanes Passive House.

by Marleen Baes, BRUFMA Technical Committee Member

For more information about BRUFMA visit www.brufma.co.uk.
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Hot new products at HVAC 2016

Organisers of HVAC 2016 are pleased to announce that the show in October will host a number of new product launches from leading exhibitors including some industry firsts, as well as a raft of exciting competitions.

In a world first, humidification and evaporative cooling specialists Condair will be previewing the first ever condensing, gas-fired steam humidifier at its stand. The new Condair GS recovers heat from exhaust gases to pre-heat its incoming water supply, saving energy and making it the most efficient gas-fired humidifier available.

For those looking for the latest innovations in the smart controls market then Cotherm UK’s stand will be well worth a visit. The company will be launching its new range of smart water heating controls as well as its smart electric radiator controls. Leading ventilation solutions manufacturer Airflow Developments Ltd will also be exhibiting its brand new Ardoit Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) range of units. The Passive House certified units are equipped with the latest smart technology that allows airflow settings to be controlled within the home or remotely by PC, tablet or smartphone.

Organisers are also pleased to announce that HVAC 2016 will host the official European launch of pioneering air treatment company Bio-Oxygen. The company will be showcasing its air sterilisation system, which guarantees odour free results along with 99 per cent elimination of viruses and bacteria. Also with new products specifically for for the UK market, air conditioning specialist Hitachi will be bringing its all-in-one Tutaki-SCombi air source heat pump as well as other examples from its newly expanded range.

Nathan Garnett, Event Director for HVAC 2016, commented: “For anyone wanting to learn what’s new in the HVAC sector, HVAC 2016 is not to be missed. The number of product launches and even world firsts is staggering for this year’s event and I’m really excited to see what’s been described to us in the flesh. When these launches are combined with the informative seminar content I’m convinced that the show will be well worth the day out for any HVAC professional.”

Steve Bartholomew, Sales Director at Cotherm UK, added: “We have chosen to exhibit at HVAC 2016, as part of UK Construction Week, to launch our range of smart water and space heating controls because of the presence of local authority decision makers and also decision makers from OEM’s and industry representatives. They are key markets for the new energy saving devices which will offer great value to the identified markets and in turn the user and householders.”

Other exciting stands visitors should make sure to visit include Darwin Clayton, which will be offering it’s new and improved insurance scheme for the HVAC sector and Calor, which will have representatives from its new dedicated rural housing developer team to answer any questions and offer advice. In addition, the latest innovations from Knauf Insulation, Trimble and Kingspan Insulation will also be on display.

Taking place at the Birmingham NEC from 18 – 20 October, HVAC 2016 sits alongside Timber Expo, the Build Show, Civils Expo, the Surface and Materials Show, Energy 2016, Plant & Machinery Live, Smart Buildings 2016 and Grand Designs Live as part of UK Construction Week.

For more information or to register for your FREE ticket to attend, please visit www.hvaclive.co.uk or follow @hvacshow on Twitter.
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