Enviro’s Chairman Alf Blomqvist and Board Member Nina Macpherson Speak at COP29 Climate Hub

Scandinavian Enviro Systems (Enviro) is participating today at the Climate Hub conference, held during the UN’s climate meeting COP29. Enviro’s chairman of the board, Alf Blomqvist, and board member, Nina Macpherson, will take part in a panel discussion on ecocide – mass destruction of the environment – and share how Enviro contributes to both environmental and economic sustainability.

During COP29, a series of side events is being organized, including Climate Hub. Alf Blomqvist and Nina Macpherson will participate in a panel discussion titled “Business leaders for Ecocide Law: Criminalizing Ecocide & Leveling the Playing Field.” Alongside Blomqvist and Macpherson, Scania’s Head of Sustainability, Fredrik Nilzén, and Johan Falk, CEO of Exponential Roadmap Initiative, will also take part in the discussion.

“The need for international legislation against ecocide is clear, and Climate Hub is an excellent platform for us to discuss both Enviro’s position and the work the company is doing to promote the environment and sustainability,” says Nina Macpherson, Board Member of Scandinavian Enviro Systems and Chair of the Ecocide Law Alliance, a foundation working to introduce ecocide as a crime under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.

COP29 is being held in Baku, Azerbaijan, and is the 29th edition of the UN climate conference, where countries around the world come together to discuss and negotiate global efforts to combat climate change.

“We are proud to participate in such an important forum and to share Enviro’s work in fostering sustainability from both an environmental and economic perspective,” says Alf Blomqvist, Chairman of the board of Enviro.


Read more about Climate Hub

 


 

Ashden welcomes UK Government’s ambitious 81% carbon emission reduction target, but highlights need for fairness and a fully-fledged plan

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s presence at COP 29 in Baku and commitment to this updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) is exactly the sort of leadership the world is crying out for on climate. With the UK’s green economy growing 9% in 2023 while the wider economy stagnated, it is clear that strong climate ambition drives innovation, job creation, and prosperity. UK businesses and civil society have long called for such leadership to ensure a just and sustainable transition.

However, as recent global events have underscored, public trust and fairness are critical to sustaining momentum for ambitious climate action. Everyday people must see and feel the fairness of these changes. It is not enough to set bold targets; we must ensure the journey to achieve them is equitable, with tangible improvements in livelihoods, jobs, and community resilience across the country.

Dr Ashok Sinha, CEO of Ashden who is attending COP29, said:

“At a time when there are headwinds against government action to avert catastrophic climate change in both the US and EU, the announcement by the UK of strong new NDC 3.0 at COP29 – a year ahead of time – is the kind of climate diplomacy the world needs. Equally importantly, it sets the agenda at home for realising the huge social and economic gains that a fair transition to a zero carbon economy will bring.

“But now the even harder work begins. Decarbonising the grid and land transport is comparatively easy compared to capturing the huge potential of local and community renewables and decarbonising heat in our buildings, place by place, dwelling by dwelling. That will require a new approach by government based on supporting bespoke local action, everywhere.

“Ashden works with enterprises and organisations that are demonstrating just the kinds of technical, financial, training and community engagement innovations we will need to become the norm. For these innovators to succeed, government will need to trust cities, towns and communities, clear the policy blockages they face and support them to access the finance they need to succeed. That’s what we now expect to see, following today’s hugely welcome announcement.”

Ashden Award winners show how inclusive, people-focused climate solutions make a difference. B4Box in Manchester trains disadvantaged individuals in green construction skills, creating jobs while reducing emissions through home retrofitting. Energise Barnsley empowers social housing tenants with solar panels and energy storage, cutting energy costs and carbon while boosting energy independence.

The reality is stark: the UK is not currently on track to meet its existing 68% by 2030 NDC target. Increased action is an absolute imperative. To succeed, the government must deliver a comprehensive and well-resourced plan to meet these new targets. The UK’s upcoming Carbon Budget Delivery Plan, due in early 2025, must clearly outline how international and national targets will be delivered within an ambitious, fast-paced, and inclusive policy framework.

This framework must prioritise the needs of people and communities, particularly those most affected by the transition.

Ashden stands ready to support ambitious action and urges the UK Government to make the vision of a fair, green transition a reality for all.

 

Brett Martin’s Roof Lanterns are now available in bespoke sizes and additional colour frame options. An architecturally stunning means of introducing more natural light into a space, Brett Martin’s customisable Roof Lanterns now offer greater design flexibility, whatever the project.

 

The Brett Martin Roof Lantern boasts an attractive slimline profile that allows in more light. A contemporary four-panel design minimises the structure to maximise the daylight, or choose a six-panel design with additional glazing bars for a more traditional style.

 

Highly thermally efficient with a thermally broken frame and Low-E glazing, the Roof Lantern also boasts rapid installation, with the only sealant bond required between the rooflight and the roof. It is also backed by an excellent 10-year warranty.

 

 

In addition to being able to offer bespoke sizes, the Roof Lantern is now available with a white, grey or black powder coating finish on both the inner and outer frames.

 

Brett Martin adopts a safety-first policy on all its glass rooflights. As such, they are manufactured with a laminated inner pane as standard which provides multiple benefits over toughened glass alternatives. Laminated glass is engineered not only to resist breakage as much as possible but – if it does break – to break in a way that is both safe and secure. Constructed from two panes of float glass with an added polymer layer bonded between, laminated glass will not shatter into individual pieces on impact. Instead, it will form a characteristic spider’s web pattern, reducing the likelihood of the broken rooflight falling on anyone below.

 

Tony Isaac, Sales Director at Brett Martin commented

“With the latest developments, it’s now easier than ever for our customers to find the optimum rooflight solution for their project, whatever the requirement.”


CLICK HERE for more information about Brett Martin’s Rooflight range

 


 

 

 

English Spirit Distillery has used an extensive package of Altro products front and back of house in their new visitor centre café, shop and viewing area for the working distillery.

The small batch distillery, which produces some of the UK’s finest spirits and liqueurs, was looking to create the best environment, choosing surfaces that combine a range of hard-working features and benefits with aesthetic appeal.

“When I first came here it was a barn with a concrete floor,” explains Stuart Dawes, Managing Director of flooring contractor First for Floors, who worked with the English Spirit team to choose the right products. “They told me what they wanted their result to be and straight away I knew that I wanted to work with Altro. We love their products and they have never failed us.

“Being a barn with a lot of echoes, we knew we needed something to dampen that as much as possible without using carpet. That is where Altro Ensemble came into play, with the sound reduction, aesthetics, comfort underfoot, and its all-round durability,” says Stuart.

Altro Ensemble is an award-winning modular flooring system, with luxury vinyl tiles in four modular sizes that can be mixed and matched to create unique designs from colour blocking to geometric patterns. It delivers noise reduction to 15dB and comfort underfoot and is great in public-facing areas where first impressions count.

Elsewhere in the visitor centre, Altro Wood, an attractive, general purpose 2mm wood-effect vinyl safety floor, was installed on the mezzanine walkway area and stairs, bringing a biophilic focus to the areas where daylight floods the building. In the bar area and staff room, Altro Wood adhesive-free safety flooring was selected, delivering maximum impact with minimum downtime in 18 shade choices that match Altro Wood.

For the toilets, Altro XpressLay adhesive-free was specified bringing safety and speed of installation, used together with durable and elegant Altro Whiterock wall designs, providing elegance and durability on an Altro Whiterock wall sheet.

Altro Stronghold 30, designed to keep staff safe from slips, was installed in the kitchen together with hygienic, impermeable Altro Whiterock White. Altro Stronghold 30 achieves Altro’s highest rating for slip resistance and is designed to minimise risk in wet and greasy conditions for the lifetime of the floor. Altro Whiterock White is a proven, high performance, hygienic alternative to ceramic tiles.


CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT ALTRO CAN OFFER

 

 


 

 

RINNAI – FULL SERVICE FROM DESIGN TO CARBON SAVINGS,

CAPEX, OPEX AND DELIVERY TO SITE IN ONE SINGLE CONSIGNMENT

 

CLICK HERE FOR THE RINNAI HELP ME CHOOSE PAGE

 

 Rinnai offers a TOTAL range of FREE services to all UK customers – installers, consultants, main contractors, architects and national end users – which offers system designs, carbon reduction calculations, technical services, commissioning and delivery to site in one single consignment. Rinnai offers a range of products for energy efficient heating and hot water provision in natural gas, electricity, LPG and rDME fuels. Rinnai also offers all appliances –  electric and gas water heaters, heat pumps, solar thermal systems and hybrid systems utilising the principle of Practical, Economic and Technical criteria in the choice of system to any commercial site in the UK.

 

“Rinnai’s services are designed to provide comprehensible purchase options, system design, CAPEX, OPEX and carbon calculations as well as whole consignment delivery to any UK site upon 24 hours of purchasing,” says Technical Head Pete Seddon.

 

Rinnai’s specialist design team can provide a “Site Consultation Form” that details on-site data of current heating and hot water system capabilities. Customers can view the results in a rapid low carbon replacement suggestion by a professional team member.

 

Rinnai services include a carbon and cost comparison service that offers a free appraisal of any site’s current heating & hot water delivery system, along with empirically gathered data driven recommendations for reducing carbon load and all related costs.

 

If a customer encounters difficulties when selecting a product, a “Help Me Choose” service option is available at Rinnai’s website www.rinnai-uk.co.uk. This service enables easier product selection through direct contact with a Rinnai professional. A customer can be contacted either via a home number, mobile or email at a time convenient for yourself. A Rinnai professional will then advise on purchasing options that complement the unique layout of your property.

 

Rinnai further provides an array of cost calculation services that will measure your current system’s output in 5-year CAPEX, OPEX and carbon emission cost comparison. Once all relevant data is collected, a Rinnai team member can suggest an appropriate cost and carbon load reducing heating and hot water system that will accompany the dimensions of your property.

 

Rinnai services also include whole consignment deliveries within 24 hours of product purchase to any UK site.

 

Rinnai’s selection of on-line services enables customer convenience from product viewing, selection and purchase. Rinnai’s inclusive CPD’s, webinars, videos and calculation services ensure customers can access information that improves product knowledge and provides insight into product operational capabilities.

 


CLICK HERE

To see the present range of Rinnai solutions that include

Hydrogen, BioLPG ready water heaters, solar thermal and heat pump Hybrids and LOW-GWP heat pumps


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

  • 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.
RINNAI FULL PRODUCT AVAILABILITY 24/7 FOR NEXT DAY DELIVERY of
ALL HOT WATER HEATING UNIT MODELS INCLUDING 48-58kW UNITS-

 SAVINGS OF

    20%    REDUCTION of opex cost

30%   REDUCTION of initial cost

15%   REDUCTION in carbon

75%   REDUCTION of space


 

 

 

 

Nuaire’s Hybrid Cooling System is a cooling extension for its boxed-ventilation range designed to tackle residential overheating and provide a solution that meets Building Regulations.

 

The Nuaire Hybrid Cooling System is an ancillary cooling module that works with the existing Nuaire MRXBOX MVHR products to provide a hybrid MVHR and cooling system – delivering clean indoor air, while combatting overheating – a modern day issue in many high-rise new builds.

 

The new system is an energy efficient, space-saving solution that can be effortlessly integrated to newbuilds that face overheating problems; such as floor to ceiling glazed apartments where natural ventilation is impossible due to environmental and noise pollution outside, and dwellings which are without shade to protect them from the sun’s heat.

 

 

 

Andrew Nash, Divisional Manager and Overheating Expert at Nuaire, said:

“Overheating is a modern-day concern and not one which will be going away anytime soon – it can cause serious problems with sleep as well as heat stress, and present other major health risks meaning that often, overheated buildings are left abandoned in the hotter, summer months.

“Although current Building Regulations don’t talk enough about mechanical cooling, in most instances there is no other option. It’s important we tackle this issue and future-proof our residential systems to keep properties healthy and habitable going forward.

“With these rising temperatures, 4.6m homes in England already reported to have problems with overheating and more new builds being built set to face these issues, it is time for a fresh look at how we ventilate and create an optimal thermal temperature all year round within a home.

“With no option for natural ventilation, mechanical clean air input and extract is a necessity,” Nash continues. “Therefore, a new hybrid heating and cooling system needs to be considered to help with the optimisation of temperatures, especially within new builds. Our Hybrid Cooling System, introduced in 2022, gives peace of mind for consultants needing to recommend solutions for clean, comfortable, temperate air throughout a property that confidently meets Building Regulations.”


FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE NUAIRE WEBSITE

 


New playground in the East Midlands aims to to transform play for all abilities

 

Access to playgrounds for children identified with special educational needs or disabilities in the UK is set for a huge boost as leading play specialists, ESP Play teams up Variety, the Children’s Charity.

ESP Play will join Variety in a long-term partnership to advise and jointly fundraise to give disabled and disadvantaged children better play facilities nationwide.

Raleigh Education Trust in the Midlands will become the first facility to benefit from the partnership following an initial £50,000 pledge from ESP Play.

This new playground by ESP Play will feature a range of innovative, custom-designed equipment specifically created to meet the needs of children with physical, sensory and cognitive challenges.

The playground will allow children to engage in activities that enhance their development, with future projects earmarked for the North West.


CLICK FOR VIDEO

 


Andrew Wood, ESP Play Managing Director, said: “Partnering with Variety marks a pivotal milestone in our mission to ensure every child can play together, regardless of ability. We are dedicated to raising the standards of inclusive play and setting a new benchmark for all play spaces.“By working with Variety and Raleigh Education Trust we can effectively design a playground that meets the needs of all children, breaking down barriers and ensuring that no child is left out.

“This partnership is a flagship example of how organisations can collaborate to create environments that encourage inclusivity, belonging and development for all children. We’re really looking forward to seeing how this inclusive space will impact the students and the community.”

 

Sean Kelly, CEO of Raleigh Education Trust, said:

“As a trust that has been supporting children identified with special educational needs or disabilities for seven years and we understand firsthand how crucial outdoor play is for their development.

“With the right specialist equipment, we can give them the independence and creativity to explore and enjoy playing in a safe environment that allows them to simply enjoy being kids.

“It’s about integration, not segregation. We want to create spaces where all children can interact, support one another and share the joy of play and education.

“The generosity shown by ESP Play to donate such a large sum of money to get this project started is phenomenal and we’re very proud to have the support of such a brilliant business and an amazing charity.

“The new playground will be a game-changer for our students.”

 

Lyn Staunton, Variety Development Director, said:

“This is a really important partnership between ESP Play and Variety that will help us as a charity to ensure more disabled and disadvantaged children can benefit from the access to play.

“We have been blown away by Andrew’s passion for inclusive play for all children and are looking forward to working with Andrew for the long term helping us provide the best play equipment for the children we support.

“Play has a profound impact on the outcomes of our youngsters and through this partnership we hope to provide the best opportunities we can for every child we support.”


Nicholas Teague (left) with Martin Jamieson and founder Mark Munns (centre)

Light steel specialist Frameclad, announced that following a transitional period, Joint Managing Directors Nicholas Teagle and Martin Jamieson, have acquired the company from founder Mark Munns and his wife Diane.

 

Back in 2022 they were invited to become joint Managing Directors as Frameclad’s founder intended to eventually step back from his day-to-day role. During the last two years they have been working collectively to make strategic decisions to ensure a smooth handover of the business.

 

“We are excited to share the news that this transition is now complete, and we have officially acquired Frameclad,” said Nicholas Teagle. “We have many plans to build on the success Mark and Diane achieved, and we will continue with our long term strategy of ‘investment and innovation’ which is yielding positive results.

 

“I’m delighted to report that there will be no major changes in Frameclad’s management team, manufacturing output or our procedures. Delivering high quality light steel frame systems, backed by excellent customer service, will remain our priority.”

 

Martin added: “We would like to thank our team for their incredible support throughout this time. We are proud of the skills and specialisms we have within our Frameclad community and as many know, people are at the very heart of our operation.

 

“We look forward to growing our relationship with all our clients, partners and suppliers as we continue to deliver cost effective light steel solutions that are designed and manufactured to outstanding building safety standards.”

 

In line with Frameclad’s strategy, on the back of launching the company’s Lightweight Engineered Adjustable FrameLEAF, the new owners have purchased a further five cold-roll forming machines and have increased their design and engineering team from 12 to 14.


As a leading BOPAS-accredited manufacturer of steel framing systems and components, Frameclad offers a complete package of services to customers. The business has invested significantly in state-of-the-art manufacturing technology and the in-house design and engineering team provides cost estimates within 10 days and detailed designs within one week. The precision steel roll-forming machinery produces one of the largest ranges of steel sections available in the UK today from a single manufacturer.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT FRAMECLAD CLICK HERE

 


 

 

It is widely known that uncoupling membranes have become popular among installers in aiming to provide their customers with durable and stable flooring solutions but recent advancements in product development are simplifying the installation process and solving problems which have led to countless call-backs in the past: with  Schlüter®-Systems’ Peel & Stick technology heralding a revolution in the marketplace.

The latest to be added to the range is an advancement to Schlüter’s original DITRA. The new DITRA Peel & Stick maintains the renowned uncoupling, waterproofing, load-distribution and vapour pressure equalisation properties of the original DITRA, bringing with it simple, clean and quick installation. Peel & Stick is also available for both the manufacturer’s electric and hydronic underfloor heating (UFH) offering.

While the usual provisos for installation regarding the substrate needing to be clean, dust free, rigid and load bearing remain the same, Peel & Stick presents the ideal answer to carrying out installations over the ubiquitous ‘green chipboard,’ which tiling adhesive simply will not adhere to. The advantages of being simpler to use makes the product more accessible within the construction industry, with bathroom fitters or builders being able to install the membrane. With no tiling adhesive needed, the installation process is cleaner and quicker, saving time on mixing, spreading or waiting for the tile adhesive to dry.

Schlüter’s Peel & Stick membranes make light work of installing uncoupling and underfloor heating, the only tools required for laying the Peel & Stick, cut-back stud structure with fleece backing is a craft knife, instead of having to mix up and spread tiling adhesive. Crucially it is possible to reposition the membrane repeatedly, with the material only bonding to a substrate when pressure is applied. It is also possible to walk on immediately after installation, reducing the risk of breaking the tile adhesive’s bond.

As well as appealing to tiling contractors, the speed, simplicity and versatility of the Peel & Stick range is gaining interest from small builders, bathroom specialists and DIY enthusiasts; while there is also a clear opportunity for offsite and particularly bathroom pod manufacturers who increasingly rely on multi-skilling their workforce.

Product Manager for Schlüter®-Systems, Andrew Saxon, comments:

“Widening our range of Peel & Stick solutions offers installers greater choice and can deliver a significant number of advantages over utilising tiling adhesive.  It’s quicker, cleaner and overall, less physically demanding; so they can achieve much higher rates of progress.

“Schlüter®-Systems DITRA-HEAT  and the recently launched BEKOTE-THERM  are also something which we are promoting strongly through our distributors and to all the installers who attend our Coalville showroom, that opened earlier this year – to undertake training. We normally run two sessions a week with attendance this year project to total more than 800.”

The 4mm electric cables or water pipes push-fit into the studded, fleece backed membrane which acts as both an insulating carrier and an uncoupling layer to help distribute stresses within the build-up: reducing the risk of tiles cracking. The two Schlüter®-Systems UFH options also offer sound transmission reduction of up to 13 dB.

In general, under-tile heating is viewed as an ideal means of providing targeted heating within new and additional or refurbished bathrooms, and feature widely in top end residential developments.  Convenient and economic, instead of encountering a cold and unwelcoming surface beneath bare feet, a correctly installed UFH system can deliver controllable warmth, creating a regulated temperature within the room-space itself.

The range of Peel & Stick membranes offer the ideal solution to dealing with troublesome substrates, avoiding damage to tiles and can be combined with other products in the Schlüter-Systems range to ensure lasting tile and stone installations.


CLICK HERE for further information

or call 01530 813396

 


 

 

Zentia, the UK’s market leader in complete ceiling solutions, is excited to announce the renaming of its popular Axiom range of canopies to DecoFrame. This change reflects the company’s commitment to modern design and high acoustic performance, offering customers a solution where aesthetics and functionality meet seamlessly.

Previously known as Axiom, the newly named DecoFrame line includes several key changes:

  • Axiom C Canopy is now DecoFrame Kit Classic Canopy
  • Axiom KE Canopy is now DecoFrame Kit Blade Canopy
  • Axiom Curved Canopy is now DecoFrame Kit Curved Canopy
  • Axiom Circle Canopy is now DecoFrame Kit Circle Canopy

Aesthetic Appeal Meets Acoustic Performance

Zentia’s DecoFrame canopies are designed to deliver on both style and practicality, providing a modern, striking visual appearance while maintaining excellent acoustic performance. Packaged and delivered as a kit, the canopies offer quick and easy installation. With DecoFrame, there’s no need to compromise between aesthetics and functionality.

This makes DecoFrame canopies the perfect solution for open-plan environments such as offices, schools, and public buildings, where controlling acoustics and maintaining an appealing design are critical.

Key Features and Benefits

Key features of the DecoFrame include:

  • Seamless Integration: DecoFrame canopies integrate effortlessly with nearly all of Zentia’s range of ceiling tiles, providing designers with creative flexibility.
  • Optimised Acoustics: Each canopy enhances sound control, making it ideal for open-plan spaces such as offices, schools, and public buildings.
  • Customisable Design: Available in various shapes, including circle, curved, and rectangular, DecoFrame is customisable to meet the unique needs of any project.

The DecoFrame range offers a variety of standout features designed to enhance both aesthetics and functionality. Its floating canopy design adds dimension and visual appeal to any space, available in customisable shapes like circle, curved, and rectangular forms. The frame and tile system is compatible with a wide range of ceiling tiles, offering design flexibility for all shapes, while the acoustic performance makes it an ideal choice for open-plan areas like offices and schools. Installation is simple and efficient thanks to the joggled Gridline system, allowing for quick, hassle-free setup.

Built from durable materials, DecoFrame ensures long-lasting performance with minimal maintenance. The canopies are fully compatible with DecoMesh, a range of metal mesh ceiling tiles, offering designers the option to incorporate expanded metal mesh materials for added texture and visual interest. The DecoFrame also pairs perfectly with the Prestige range, a balanced acoustical tile that comes in a wide range of colours.

The DecoFrame’s modular construction allows easy expansion or modification, making it adaptable to evolving project needs, providing a versatile and functional solution for modern spaces.

Zentia continues to lead the way in providing innovative ceiling solutions that balance design and performance. The renaming of the Axiom range to DecoFrame reinforces Zentia’s dedication to offering products that not only look great but also deliver exceptional functionality.


To find out more about Zentia click here