More dates have been added to Rinnai UK’s 2016 training programme to cater for the increasing number of engineers and specifiers turning on to the energy saving benefits of gas fired continuous flow water heaters.

Rinnai has seen a massive increase in interest for its complete and comprehensive range of highly efficient ErP labelled A-rated continuous flow water heaters. The company supplies models from the smallest domestic unit to super-size industrial appliances, and since the introduction of energy labelling, demand from engineers for training on the Rinnai Infinity range has rocketed.

The demand has led Rinnai, which believes in making it easy for professionals to experience hands on training with its technologically advanced product, to schedule a new tranche of tailor-made, flexible courses that allow engineers the opportunity to explore at first hand the practical and energy saving benefits of continuous flow gas fired water heaters and to familiarise themselves with the technology.

Rinnai training specialist Ian Jenkins says: “Since ErP, enquires for Rinnai Infinity units have increased exponentially as the transparency of energy labelling allows specifiers and end users to compare products and make an informed choice. As a result of this surge in interest, so far this year we have trained 66% more engineers. These have included our bespoke courses designed to fit in with the modern time demands for professionals. We have also seen a large increase in CPD modules all over the UK.”

“The most popular course modules are ‘Understanding ACOP L8 and hot water system design’ and ‘System design incorporating continuous flow and renewables’,” says Jenkins.

The hands-on training events are aimed primarily at engineers and facilities managers, and cover both traditional and new technologies for commercial water heating and highlight the considerable energy and monetary savings that can be achieved by installation of a continuous flow hot water system.

Courses can be arranged to suit individual requirements either at Rinnai’s Runcorn, Cheshire HQ in the dedicated training facility or if preferred, Rinnai will take the module to the customer’s workplace or other venue convenient to delegates.

Since August and up to October Jenkins has organised a course every week for Gas engineers as well as catering for the needs of other customers and consultants in the private and public sectors.

The additional course dates announced by Rinnai for engineer training are:
27 September and 27 October, 24 November: ‘Service and fault diagnostics (Water heaters)’. These courses are open to engineers, are free, and available at Rinnai’s Runcorn HQ.

The comprehensive engineer training course line-up for 2016 includes nine modules: Rinnai product overview; Continuous flow and the future of water heating; Intermediate water heater; Continuous flow – Excellence in design; Service and fault diagnostics (Water heaters); Service and fault diagnostics (Energy saver warm air units); Understanding ACOP L8 and hot water system design; Maximising renewable gain in hot water design; and, Continuous flow as an innovative method of satisfying energy and regulatory demands.

CPD Roadshow courses are also available, designed by Jenkins for M&E consultants and specifiers, design and build engineers, facilities managers and gas contractors. These courses have already attracted praise from CIBSE. For example, it says of the CONTINUOUS FLOW WATER HEATING SYSTEM SIZING AND DESIGN course: “The course delivers what it outlines and is well constructed.”

“As demand for the A-rated Rinnai range continues to grow, our flexible training ensures key market personnel at all levels, nationwide training from our highly skilled team of technical experts, guaranteeing expertise with the products both for specification, system design and installation. The courses also ensure delegates will be up to speed with any changes in legislation and product developments,” says Chris Goggin, Rinnai UK Associate Director.

For more information contact Ian Jenkins on +44 (0)1928 531 870 or email ianjenkins@rinnaiuk.com.

For more details on RINNAI products visit www.rinnaiuk.com.

RCM Ltd are pleased to announce their appointment by Extremegreen Building Products, LLC., to exclusively distribute their Extremegreen magnesium oxide building boards across the UK.
Extremegreen is a building board manufactured using a proprietary formula that is reinforced with multiple layers of glass fiber mesh for added structural integrity and impact resistance. The sheets are used as external fire rated sheathing panels, internal wallboard, tile backerboard, sub-flooring, roof underlay and structural insulated panels. Extremegreen MgO is resistant to fire, moisture, mould and mildew, wood boring insects, is completely toxin free and is a carbon neutral building material.

By adding Extremegreen into their brand portfolio RCM have extended their offering by introducing a ‘green’ option to their sheathing board range, thereby letting their customers have the best possible selection of quality building products. Extremegreen Building Products, based in Mobile, Alabama, is the manufacturer of the high density structural magnesium oxide boards. The boards have unique properties and are made from non-combustible materials that are impervious to water. The boards will not grow mould, nor mildew and as they contain zero foodstuff. They are also resistant to wood boring insects. The boards are people-safe and emit no toxic dust when cut or handled. Finally, they are 100% recyclable and have a very low energy input during the manufacturing process. These building boards truly represent a quantum shift in building technology and thinking.

Being a major leader in the field, RCM are committed to continuing to offer a diverse range of building material solutions, whilst refusing to compromise on quality.

“The agreement with Extremegreen is a huge success for RCM and promises exciting developments for the company. The inclusion of an MgO based board, and an environmentally friendly option, within our sheathing board range allows for even greater choice when specifying projects. RCM look forward to continue leading the way in building board technology with Extremegreen” (Ian Quinton, MD, RCM Ltd.).

About RCM

RCM is a major supplier to the UK and European construction industry and specialises in cement based building boards, facades and complete through wall solutions. Our products are specified for use in sheathing, fire protection, acoustic external facades and full through wall solutions. RCM’s extensive product range has been installed on many of the largest construction projects throughout the UK.

We offer a fully integrated approach to the building envelope, specifying and providing products to the correct specification, delivering on time and on budget.

“We were looking for a forward thinking group of people at the top of their game to represent Extremegreen as our distributor in the UK. A company with the same ethos as ours that could carry our message and mantra to market. We believe we have found that in RCM and look forward to working with them as our sole UK distributor. RCM has a solid reputation in the UK building industry as suppliers of cement based building materials and we believe Extremegreen fits into this portfolio perfectly.” (Sam Catling, President, Extremegreen Building Products, LLC.)

About Extremegreen Building Products

Extremegreen Building Products is a US based manufacturer of high density structural magnesium oxide board. Extremegreen is manufactured using a proprietary formula that is reinforced with multiple layers of glass fiber mesh for added structural integrity and impact resistance. The sheets are available in various lengths, widths and thicknesses and are used as external fire rated sheathing panels, internal wallboard, tile backerboard, sub-flooring, roof underlay and Structural Insulated Panels. Extremegreen is resistant to fire, moisture, mould and mildew, wood boring insects, is completely toxin free and is a carbon neutral building material.

For more details visit www.extremegreenbp.com or  www.buildingboards.co.uk.

Polypipe Ventilation, manufacturer of market leading energy saving Domus ducting and Silavent mechanical ventilation appliances, has set up a BIM (Building Information Modelling) Library, available free of charge.

BIM is a government driven shared knowledge resource, providing all of the information about every component of a building, in one easy to access place. It enables construction professionals to digitally model a building and examine its entire life-cycle, from inception and design to demolition and materials reuse. Using BIM data reduces the risk of mistakes or discrepancies at an early stage, making for more cost-effective, safe construction.

The Polypipe Ventilation BIM Library features an extensive array of products, including energy saving, whole house Silavent HRX Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) appliances and Silavent CMX Mechanical Extract Ventilation (MEV) units, as well as award winning Domus Radial semi-rigid duct systems and its full range of Domus rigid ducting and accessories, which incorporates Domus Thermal duct insulation and duct sound attenuators.

BIM Object data on Polypipe Ventilation products includes detailed information such as product properties, geometry, visualisation data and functional data that enables the ?object? to be positioned and behave in the same manner as the product would in-situ. Airflow rates, for example, can be set at each grille or air valve, allowing engineers to easily and more accurately estimate pressure losses and velocities within the ductwork, which isn?t possible using other design packages, such as AutoCAD. Product dimensions are automatically calculated to ensure it fits into the desired design space and even the correct amount of product required is calculated within BIM to prevent product wastage. In addition, BIM enables parts to be automatically scheduled during the design process, for speed and maximum convenience.

UK BIM processes range from Maturity Level Zero to Level Three. Typically, a Level One project will use a mixture of 3D CAD and 2D work and is the level at which most private-sector companies now find themselves. Now required by law for centrally procured public sector projects, Level Two denotes projects where all parties use their own 3D CAD models (although these will not, necessarily, be working on a single, shared model) and design information is shared through a common file format, enabling any organisation within the project to combine the data with their own. It is considered only a matter of time before deadlines are put into place for the rest of the construction industry and beyond to meet Level Two.

Polypipe Ventilation has a well deserved reputation for quality, supported by excellent technical support, from a market leading manufacturer and designer. It is well placed to offer immediate, practical solutions to Building Regulations Parts F & L. The company continues to provide differentiated solutions in the private and social housing sectors, transforming the way developers, specifiers, installers, home owners and distributors meet emerging environmental standards.

For further information please go to www.polypipe.com/ventilation or call on 03443 715523.

As part of its on-going extensive redevelopment programme, Accrington Stanley Football Club enlisted the support of leading canopy manufacturer, Canopies UK, for the creation of a brand new European-style fan zone.

The club has recently unveiled a raft of measures aimed at transforming almost every element of its grounds, which includes the creation of a new 1,500 capacity all-seater stand. The work will also see a new pitch being laid and new fencing and walls being installed to create space for additional perimeter advertising boards.

Providing fans with a pre and post-match base

As a community club, Accrington Stanley wanted to develop space behind the home supporters’ stand to create a dedicated outdoor zone specifically for its fans.

“They wanted to provide their supporters with an outdoor area where they can gather and socialise with each other, as well as enjoy something to eat and drink before and after matches,” explains, Ryan Powell, Commercial Area Sales Manager at Canopies UK.

“The club felt that canopies would be the ideal solution, as they would not only provide all-year-round shelter, but create an eye-catching focal point that would really add character and flair to the overall look and feel of the fan zone.”

Canopies UK specified two of its ground-mounted Connekt umbrella-style canopies for several reasons including the fact they would be large enough to cover the standing area within the fan zone. Each spanning five meters, the canopies were of the right dimensions to shelter 25m2 floor space.

Delivering the project with no extra time

With the start of football season looming, Canopies UK had to ensure the canopies were designed, manufactured and installed in record time.

There were just four weeks between initial contact and the new season getting underway, which involved Canopies UK pulling out all of the stops to deliver the project within the tight timescale.

“We effectively had to deliver a project that would typically take around eight weeks, in half the time and still maintain the highest possible standards,” added Ryan.

“However, due to the fact that we were local and are always keen to help the local community whenever we can, we relished the challenge and managed to install the canopies with a week to spare.”

Proactivity, organisation and flexibility were pivotal to Canopies UK being able to turn the installation around in record time.

The club was provided with an official quote on the same day as Canopies UK first visiting the site, and an official order just two days later. As a result of being given prior warning, Canopies UK’s operations manager was able to conduct the site survey one day after the official order had been submitted.

The project was then planned into Canopies UK’s production schedule by reallocating other jobs, while the umbrellas were manufactured in two and-a-half weeks and installed in a day.

Canopies that are engineered for purpose

Canopies UK engineers each of its canopies in accordance with site-specific calculations. Conducted by Canopies UK’s technical surveyor, the calculations encompassed a number of technical on-site measurements, including wind speed, obstructions such as drainage systems, nearby trees and roots, as well as the terrain in which the foundations would sit.

In addition to ensuring the canopies delivered from a practical perspective, it was essential they also delivered on an aesthetic level too.

Using its bespoke colour matching service, Canopies UK customised the Connekt canopies with the club’s colours. Alternating colours of red and white were used on the roof support beams to create a unique and tailored canopy installation in keeping with the club’s traditional strip.

David Burgess, Chief Executive at Accrington Stanley Football Club, said: “We’re absolutely delighted with the canopies, they’ve really brought the fan zone to life from both a practical and aesthetic perspective.

“Not only will they provide our fans with the shelter and shade they need from the elements before, and during games, they’re in our club colours, which gives the overall area a real sense of identity. They’re the perfect finishing touch for our fan zone and have been produced to the highest standard.”

For more information, contact Karen Hornby on 01254 777 002 (extension 221) or email karen@canopiesuk.co.uk. Alternatively, further details can be found at www.canopiesuk.co.uk.

Reliance Worldwide Corporation (UK) Ltd (RWC UK), the leading manufacturer of water control systems and plumbing solutions, has launched a new CPD seminar focusing on the use of Thermal Interface Units (TIUs), approved by three professional bodies.

The new seminar ‘Understanding the use of Thermal Interface Units within Community Heating Networks’ has been specifically developed for consultants, specifiers and architects involved in designing heating and hot water systems in commercial or domestic premises, and is approved by CIBSE, RIBA and The CPD Certification Service.

Lasting around 45 minutes, the session examines how a network with individual property heating and hot water systems might be constructed to take advantage of the latest TIU technology. Delivered by members of RWC UK’s technical and sales teams, the seminar explains the features and benefits of such systems and provides building professionals with advice on key considerations and requirements for specification.

David Craven, Key Account Director at RWC UK, explains: “The specification of TIUs is becoming more popular, especially in the design of multiple-occupancy buildings where their use brings significant benefits. For example, installing TIUs reduces material costs and maintenance thanks to the absence of copper pipework and flues. They also remove the need to conform to Gas Safe or FGAS regulations in each dwelling.

“This is exactly what our new CPD aims to highlight; the simplicity and flexibility of community heating networks and TIUs. The session is also free of charge and for the convenience of our customers, we’ll visit their premises to deliver the presentation.”

In 2015, RWC UK introduced the first major brand of UK designed and manufactured Thermal Interface Units to the market with its Radiance® range, made at the company’s head office in Evesham, Worcestershire. Just this year, the range was recognised by two industry awards, being shortlisted in the H&V News Awards in the Innovative Products category, and receiving the Highly Commended in the Innovative Product of the Year category of the Northern Ireland Plumbing and Heating Awards.

To book the TIU CPD Seminar with RWC UK contact marketing@rwc.co.uk

For more information please visit www.rwc.co.uk.

Rinnai, the UK’s leading manufacturing supplier of high efficiency continuous flow hot water heating and delivery units, has announced a major investment in London and the South East with the formation of a dedicated sales team covering the whole region.

This major investment follows the opening of a London office also dedicated to serving the region.

The new sales team will work in tandem with the Rinnai UK sales centre and technical support at the company’s Runcorn, Cheshire HQ.

“The new premises have been set up in response to high demand for Rinnai product and expertise. Specifiers and installers in the London area now have a direct line to the Rinnai sales force which is ready to offer advice on the latest technologies and legislation and will be a vehicle to inform the industry of new developments, new technologies and new ways,” says Managing Director Tony Gittings.

The team and their areas are, as follows: Scott Amass will look after North London and the associated Home Counties; Steve Richards will be heading sales in West London and associated Home Counties; Kim Wullf will be looking after South London and their Home Counties. All three have extensive experience and track records in the hot water delivery business.

Rinnai’s comprehensive range of A rated energy efficient products for hot water solutions qualify for additional energy efficiency points, boosting building energy performance. The product range far exceeds energy efficiencies in current Building Regulations (Conservation of fuel and power) and legislation. For owners of existing commercial buildings, the use of Rinnai Infinity condensing and high efficiency water heaters qualifies for extra heating efficiency credits.

For more details on RINNAI products visit www.rinnaiuk.com.

From April to July, roofing apprentices from around the UK demonstrated their skills at regional heats to gain a place at this year’s SkillBuild Final, taking place on the 17th-19th November, at NEC Birmingham.

The competition, organised by the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), saw fifty-five competitors taking part in one of eight heats, which were overseen by three judges, Matt Timby, Simon Dixon and Bob Coutts, who’s vast experience of roofing competitions range from a past SkillBuild winner to a recognised mentor for the international competition: World Championship for Young Roofers.

NFRC are pleased to announce that the following eight young roofers, who secured highest marks from across all the regional heats, will be heading to the final:

  • Andrew Emerton – Emerton Roofing (Western) Ltd
  • Harry Hillam – Thompson – Timby Traditional Roofing
  • Harry Pennock – J Chillingsworth Roofing Contractor
  • Lee Dowding – Dylan Faber Roofing Ltd
  • Liam Watson – West Country Tiling Co.
  • Sam Blount Graham – Barker Roofing Services
  • Tom Knight – Wheeler Roofing Services Limited
  • William Emerton – Emerton Roofing (Western) Ltd

The competition forms a part of the Skills Show, the nation’s largest skills and careers event, giving the competitors and the roofing industry a greater platform in which to showcase roofing.

Looking ahead to the final, Livia Williams, Head of Training for NFRC, said, “We are looking forward to this year’s final, where the best roof slating and tiling apprentices across the UK will be going head to head, to deliver the highest level of skill to claim the Gold Medal and to secure a coveted place in the UK Team for the Young Roofer World competition (IFD).”

“Over the years, NFRC has taken a leading role in organising the national SkillBuild roofing competition and working closely with roofing colleges, employers, Supplier manufacturing members and CITB. We have seen an immense value in encouraging and showcasing our best young talent and creating role models to inspire the next generation.”

“The Skills Show is, therefore, a great opportunity for the roofing industry, with the support from the regional roof training groups, in engaging with Year 11 school leavers, and their parents, in helping to address industry image, recruitment of new entrants and promoting careers in roofing.”

Throughout the heats, and for the final, special thanks must go to the three NFRC Supplier Members who have kindly provided materials; John Brash & Co. Limited, Klober Ltd and Wienerberger Ltd.

We wish all competitors the very best of luck for the final. Those interested in supporting the competitors, and to gain a better understanding of the competition, can book free tickets at www.worldskillsuk.org.

Associated Architects were commissioned to provide a comprehensive refurbishment of 6 East Parade, Leeds, – a six storey, 45,000sq office building in the heart of city centre.
30 Kemmlit Classic Cell floor to ceiling cubicles were specified for the washroom areas.

Classic Cell is a design classic and features 42mm thick smooth surfaced welted doors with special inlays which guarantee a high degree of privacy and noise reduction.

Concealed edges and recessed leg supports produce an elegant yet functional design; its robust construction makes it the ideal choice for all types of washroom applications.
For this project, the architects selected Kemmlit’s innovative high quality aluminium ‘handle bars’ for the systems’ door furniture which house LED vacant/occupied indicators.

Classic Cell is available in a choice of colours including a new solid black crystal coat varnish finish and is part of a wide range of high performance cubicle and locker systems available from Kemmlit UK.

For more information please visit www.kemmlituk.com.

Cembrit, the leading roofing and cladding specialist, has strengthened its UK sales force, with the appointment of two new regional sales managers. With experience in the roofing sector, Andrew Moore and Richard Evans will join the pitch roofing sales team, selling natural and fibre cement slates in the London and North Wales respectively.

Andrew Moore brings with him over thirty years of construction industry experience, having spent almost three years working with Monier Redland as an Account Manager and ten years with Jewsons as a National Account Manager. This wealth of experience will stand Andrew in good stead to increase Cembrit’s presence in the South East.

“Working for a company that has such a diverse product range is a great opportunity,” says Andrew Moore, Regional Sales Manager, Cembrit. “This vast product range means that Cembrit has a suitable solution for all building types. I look forward to meeting customers to explain the benefits of Cembrit roofing products and supporting them on new and existing projects.”

Richard joins the Cembrit team with over fifteen years of roofing experience. Having worked at Gordon H Richards, Clydesdale Roofing and SIG Roofing Supplies in the past, Richard understands the challenges that merchants and contractors face, and can bring this knowledge to Cembrit, to ensure we continue providing our customers with industry-leading products and services.

“I am excited to join a dynamic and well-established company,” says Richard Evans. “Cembrit has a fantastic range of natural and fibre cement slate products, so I look forward to discussing the benefits of these materials with existing customers and potential new clients. I am confident that I can use my industry knowledge to support the Cembrit team, and strengthen sales in the North Wales region.

For further information visit www.cembrit.co.uk, email sales@cembrit.co.uk or tel: +44 (0)20 8301 8900.

Following the arrival of the UK government’s BIM mandate back in April, which requires all centrally procured public sector building projects to be BIM Level 2 compliant, flat roof manufacturer Bauder has extended its BIM offering with the creation of 19 new waterproofing system objects that are available now for free download on its website.

The launch of Bauder’s new generic BIM models means its comprehensive library now includes objects for its bituminous, single ply, cold liquid applied, hot melt and green roof system options, which can easily be dropped into 3D models and plans. This allows architects, designers, specifiers and contractors to easily access and share all of the object information needed at the concept and design stage of a project. All of these BIM objects are available in Revit format, which according to NBS’ 2016 National BIM Report is by far the most popular tool used for producing drawings. In order to ensure that your BIM object meets the exact requirements of your building you will need to register your project with Bauder, who can in turn provide you with all the necessary technical support and resources.

Bauder’s Technical Director Nigel Blacklock commented: “A lot of the ideals that BIM is based upon, such as promoting the use of quality, long-lasting materials that deliver life-time value and getting things done properly first time on a project, align with our own principals as a market-leading manufacturer of flat roofing products. As a result, we will continue to invest our time and resources into BIM in order to extend our offering, as we see it as an integral part of the future of the built environment both in the public and private sector.”

For more information on BIM and to download your free objects now visit: www.bauder.co.uk.