Exciting Times at Breathing Buildings as Company Strides Ahead in Indoor Air Quality

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Breathing Buildings, a leading provider of controlled natural and hybrid ventilation systems, is striding ahead in indoor air quality (IAQ) with three exciting developments. Firstly, the company has led the way in innovation by recently celebrating winning ‘Commercial/ Industrial Ventilation Product of the Year’ category at the prestigious HVR Awards 2024. The company won the award with its new NVHRe, Natural Ventilation with Heat Recycling and Heat Recovery (NVHRe), which is the latest addition to its award-winning range of Natural Ventilation with Heat Recycling (NVHR®) systems. Secondly, building on this success, the company has invested in a new Business Development Director, Matthew Cooper to help grow the Breathing Buildings brand providing industry leading ventilation solutions. Thirdly, Breathing Buildings is exhibiting for the first time in Ireland at the Education Buildings Ireland Exhibition.

 

Breathing Buildings scooped the Commercial/Industrial Ventilation Product of the Year award at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 12th September at London’s Chelsea Harbour Hotel. Breathing Buildings won the award for its innovative NVHRe, which raises the bar on energy efficient ventilation. Marking the next step in hybrid ventilation technology, the key difference between Breathing Buildings’ original NVHR® range and the new innovative Natural Ventilation with Heat Recycling and Heat Recovery (NVHRe) is an addition of a low resistance heat exchanger cell within the unit. This allows the unit to benefit from both heat recycling and heat recovery, reclaiming even more heat than previous models, saving more energy, providing great occupant comfort, and allowing users to include it within the building energy assessments (SBEM).

 

Keen to raise the importance of energy efficient ventilation and the benefits of good IAQ in buildings, Breathing Buildings is excited to have welcomed a new member to its team. Matthew Cooper joins Breathing Buildings as Business Development Director. With over 15 years’ experience within the HVAC industry, Matthew comes with drive and enthusiasm to help steer the team to even more wins.

Matthew Cooper, Business Development Manager

 

 

On joining Matthew said “I’m super excited to join the team and it appears to be perfect timing with our new NVHRe winning the Commercial/ Ventilation Product of the Year at the HVR Awards in my second week of joining! I’m eager to go out and about, meeting customers, gaining new contacts and helping grow the Breathing Buildings brand.”

 

 

Expanding its brand presence beyond the UK, Breathing Building is exhibiting in Ireland for the first time at Education Buildings Ireland Exhibition on 6-7 November 2024, collaborating with Lindab on Stand 519 at RDS Dublin, Hall 2. At the exhibition, the company is hoping to share the wealth of experience it has on how to improve IAQ in schools. The event is organised in partnership with the Government of Ireland and comprises a 2-day multi-stream conference and an exhibition. The aim of all those involved is to create high-quality learning environments for all students and learners. IAQ is recognised as an important part of this goal.

 

The focus on indoor air quality in schools is not new. Prior to the pandemic there was already an increasing awareness of how indoor environments impact our health and wellbeing. In the UK ventilation guidance for schools already existed in the form of Building Bulletin 101 (BB101). The document’s last revision, the 2018 edition of BB101: ‘Guidelines on ventilation, thermal comfort and indoor air quality in schools’ looks at the key design elements of modern ventilation systems in schools. The document sets out requirements for schools to improve ventilation to help create a healthy and comfortable environment that will help improve children’s learning outcomes. Breathing Buildings is now hoping to offer its help to improve learning environments in Ireland too by enhancing IAQ.

 

“It is exciting times at Breathing Buildings at the moment. Not only did we win the ‘Commercial/Industrial Ventilation Product of the Year’ category with our NVHRe at the prestigious HVR Awards 2024 but we have been shortlisted for the H&V News Awards’ ‘Commercial HVAC Product of the Year – Ventilation’ category too, and we are looking forward to the event that will be held on 28th November.

We also welcome our new Business Development Director, Matthew Cooper who has joined the team with 15 years of industry experience and is focussed on helping grow the Breathing Buildings brand,” said Alexis Roberts, Brand Manager at Breathing Buildings.

 

 

The company’s award-winning NVHRe offers the lowest energy consumption for a hybrid heat recovery ventilation unit in the industry, the NVHRe combines 46% heat recovery efficiency with low Specific Fan Power (SFP) of 0.075 W/l/s to help maximise a building’s energy savings. In addition, the NVHRe has several different operating modes to minimise energy use, enhance IAQ and improve occupant comfort. An intelligent hybrid system, the unit automatically decides when and if mechanical operation is required, ensuring it only operates when absolutely necessary.

 

Providing excellent thermal comfort and enhanced IAQ, the NVHRe is designed to suit a diverse range of commercial and public buildings with high heat gains, such as schools, colleges, leisure centres, offices, theatres and even churches. The inclusion of the low resistant aluminium cross plate heat exchanger to the unit lowers energy costs by reducing the reliance on space heating to maintain thermal comfort in a room. It operates during colder external temperatures, typically below 7ºC when mixing recycled air alone is not enough to maintain the desired temperature for occupants.

 

The range also includes units that can be the primary source of heat; needing no radiators, as well as a system that can offer further cooling. The British designed and manufactured units come in three models with product variations to suit every need with the standard NVHRe 1100 an NVHRe+ 1100 which includes a heating coil and is ideal for buildings in cooler areas; and an NVHRe C+ 1100 which features a heating and cooling coil for year-round comfort and full temperature control.

 

The NVHRe hybrid ventilation system’s ultra-efficient facade-based mixing ventilation allows single-sided, enhanced natural and hybrid ventilation in deep plan spaces whilst making the most of internal heat gains, with the addition of heat recovery to deliver superb thermal comfort and IAQ. Hybrid ventilation focuses on the vital balance of IAQ, thermal comfort, and efficiency by choosing the most appropriate mode of ventilation based on the internal and external conditions, allowing the NVHRe to be in the most energy efficient mode possible at all stages.

 

Allowing low-energy hybrid natural ventilation, even in buildings with limited facade and roof space, highly efficient mixing fans mitigate cold draughts in winter and provide a ventilation boost in summer, with the addition of heat recovery to bolster winter thermal comfort, minimising the need for a primary source of heating for the space, in return reducing energy costs. Supplied with an external temperature sensor, and an internal temperature and CO2 sensor, as well as an intelligent controller the system monitors conditions to create an ideal indoor environment, boosting both productivity and wellbeing.

 

Breathing Buildings’ multi-award-winning natural ventilation with heat recycling (NVHR®) range won the Energy Efficient Product of the Year Award at the prestigious Energy Awards, and also recently won three awards for providing ventilation to the East Anglian Air Ambulance project with the Breathing Buildings’ NVHR® range.

CLICK HERE

For further information on NVHR®, NVHRe and E-stack ventilation,

as well as other products and services offered by Breathing Buildings

or call us on 01223 450 060

 

 

 

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CLEAN ENERGY FROM DIRTY WATER INVESTMENTS

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Following an £80.6 million investment earlier this year into heat networks utilising waste heat sources, Triple Point Heat Networks Investment Management is excited to commit a further £20 million to energy-from-waste (EfW) projects in Birkenhead and Loughborough. An additional £2 million will support a heat network in Portsmouth to harness heat from a local reservoir.

Harnessing waste heat produced as a byproduct from industrial processes is an efficient and sustainable way to decarbonise our energy supply. The solution can significantly reduce the carbon emissions produced from heating homes, businesses and public buildings. Through the GHNF, projects across the country are rolling out this technology to recycle waste heat and drive the transition to greener energy solutions.

Wirral Borough Council is benefitting from commercialisation funding to kickstart a project in Birkenhead, using effluent from an existing wastewater treatment plant as the heat network’s primary source. This network will go on to connect 21,000 homes being built over the next 20 years across one of the UK’s largest brownfield regeneration sites.

In the East Midlands, Vital Energi has received funding to sleeve excess heat from the Newhurst Energy Recovery Facility (ERF). The network will connect a new build development and buildings located on the west side of Loughborough University. Connections to other educational institutions across Loughborough are expected in future plans.

Further south in Hampshire, Last Mile Heat Ltd has secured funding for an ambient heat network which will take heat from Portsmouth Water’s reservoir for the Welborne Garden Village. The heat network will provide low carbon heating to 15,000 new residents, shops, schools and commercial spaces.

Locating untapped sources of heat is vital to the UK’s overarching goal of achieving Net Zero by 2050. These projects, kickstarted by GHNF, are expected to save more than 248,000 tonnes of carbon over the next 15 years marking a significant step towards a more sustainable future.

 

Minister for Energy Consumers Miatta Fahnbulleh said:

 

“The funding for these three fantastic projects will not only support the communities they serve, but also contribute to our clean power by 2030 mission, ensuring Britain has greater energy security.

“By investing in new, greener heat networks, we are helping more homes and businesses across England benefit from cleaner heating – leading to lower energy bills.”

 

Ken Hunnisett, Programme Director, said:

 

“Harnessing waste heat that would otherwise be lost is a valued approach to enhancing energy security while reducing our dependency on non-renewable heating sources.

 

Today’s announcement expands the growing portfolio of GHNF funded projects that are leveraging local heat sources to advance the decarbonisation of our homes, universities, schools and more.”

 

Birkenhead Heat Network (£887,000 commercialisation funding)

 

Wirral Borough Council have been awarded £887,000 commercialisation funding as part of a £41 million heat network project which plans to decarbonise an estimated 7,448 new homes along with new commercial developments that are part of its ambitious regeneration plans for the area.

The support will help to kickstart the inception of the new heat network within Birkenhead town centre, which is expected to use a Water Source Heat Pump (WSHP) to harness waste heat from the existing wastewater treatment plant.

A mix of buildings will benefit from sustainable heating and hot water provision provided by the network*.

Cllr Tony Jones, Chair of the Economy, Regeneration and Housing Committee for Wirral Council, said:

 

“The development of a new heat network for Birkenhead, likely to be powered using a Water Source Heat Pump, underpins our wide-reaching regeneration plans for the town centre and is a clear example of Wirral looking to embrace green investment opportunities, promote sustainable regeneration and develop infrastructure in line with the challenge of rapid decarbonisation.”

 

Newhurst (£19 million commercialisation and construction)

 

The Newhurst heat network, located just outside Loughborough, will receive £19 million commercialisation and construction funding to connect 42GWh of low carbon heat recovered from the Newhurst Energy Recovery Facility to Loughborough University in Phase 1.

Construction is due to start in late 2025 and be complete within 2 years. The project will be run by Vital Energi who will fund the remainder of the project as well as design, build, operate and maintain the heat network. There are also plans to expand the heat network to new build residential properties, along with other heat users in Loughborough.

Nick Gosling, Chief Strategy Officer at Vital Energi said:

 

“The Newhurst heat network is a great example of sustainable innovation, transforming waste into warmth and having a positive environmental impact across the community. Many education institutions have set extremely tight deadlines for reaching their net zero targets and we are excited to be working on a project which will help move so many important organisations towards a greener future.”

 

Welborne Garden Village (£2 million commercialisation and construction)

 

Last Mile Heat, in collaboration with Rendesco, have secured £2 million for the Welborne Garden Village heat network.

The innovative solution harnesses ambient heat from the local Portsmouth Water reservoir, supplying low carbon heating and hot water to an initial 700 homes at the Buckland Group development in Fareham, Hampshire. Over time 6,000 new build homes and up to 15,000 residents will be connected. Cooling will also be provided in the warmer months.

In addition, the heat pump solution will extend to provide low carbon heating to 10 hectares of employment space, healthcare facilities, schools, and local retail and leisure facilities for residents over time.

Upon the project’s completion, an average three-bedroom house will save £160 on their energy bills versus other low carbon heating solutions, according to Rendesco.

Alastair Murray, Director, Last Mile Heat said:

 

“With government legislation steering new developments towards cleaner heating and hot water options, developers are working with Last Mile Heat to take advantage of high quality, low carbon energy sources that are more efficient than air source heat pumps without costing the developer anymore. This project is a template for future housing developments of all shapes and sizes and gives the developers the confidence to design their projects around low carbon heat networks.

 

 

Source: The Association for Decentralised Energy

 

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Canadian Researchers develop Innovative Connection System for Modular Homes

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Researchers at the University of Waterloo in Ontario Canada have reimagined the construction of modular homes with the development and testing of an innovative new design that allows the structures to be more easily relocated, reassembled and reconfigured in either urban or remote areas.

The design of the Structural Timber and Applied Research Team (START), located in Waterloo’s Faculty of Engineering, uses cross-laminated timber (CLT) and a wall-to-floor connection with few bolts needed in each connection. Unlike traditional fasteners, the novel connector plate was intentionally designed for ease of disassembly and reassembly, ideal for multiple reuses and relocations.

The demand for flexible housing options — compounded by concerns about climate change and its impact on vulnerable communities — is spurring the need for inventive solutions that can expedite the deployment of safe, sustainable and affordable homes. The ability to reuse walls and other parts means fewer materials end up in landfills. The lightweight and durable CLT is ideal for modular housing in remote areas with limited road access. The system is conceived to be transported in a flat pack arrangement and be assembled using little to no heavy equipment.

“Our goal is to redefine how modular buildings are conceived and implemented,” said Dr. Daniel Lacroix, a professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) at Waterloo and lead on the project. “We are leveraging mass timber in combination with other lightweight and sustainable materials to create a system that can be assembled, disassembled and reassembled without compromising structural integrity or affordability.”

START’s connector runs counter to common design methodology as it is purposefully designed to allow for multiple reuses and relocations. Moving away from the use of multiple small fasteners closely spaced allowed the team to develop a connector that is practical for disassembly and reassembly.

The researchers tested the strength of their design by standing two CLT panels measuring 2 meters by 2.8 meters upright in a lateral design setup and pushing on it with 60 kN of force, which far exceeds the lateral forces each panel would usually experience. In testing, the novel wall-to-floor connection system proved fit for reuse following several cycles of loading, disassembly and reassembly.

“Reuse means less waste and fewer carbon emissions, so our design’s reusability is an important step forward in circular economy construction methods,” said Daniela Roscetti, who led the research as part of her master’s thesis under the supervision of Lacroix and Dr. Andrea Atkins, a professor in CEE.

START plans to refine their design and conduct rigorous testing in the next stage of development. The team is pursuing partnership and funding opportunities.

Source: University of Waterloo

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Stark Warning about Tearing up the Red Tape

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  Peter Apps, Investigative Journalist

Grenfell commentator issues stark warning to M&E sector practitioners

 

Peter Apps, the investigative journalist who raised concerns about combustible cladding and high-rise buildings before the Grenfell Tower fire occurred – has warned the building services sector not to ignore new building safety regulations in the face of growing frustrations over project delays and rising costs.

 

During his keynote address to the organisation’s Annual Conference hosted by the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), Apps described the Building Safety Act 2022 as “unwieldy” and suggested that there have been widespread reports of projects being held up by new planning restrictions.

“People are finding the new regulations frustrating,” asserted Apps. “[They say] ‘Why can’t we just get on and build?’… but there are long-term consequences if you do that,” he told the assembled audience. “Every change and every decision affects someone somewhere.”

Further, Apps stated that Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s promise to “back builders, not blockers” by tearing up “red tape” is concerning because of its implications for the new safety regime.

Apps, whose book about the Grenfell disaster entitled ‘Show Me The Bodies’ won the 2023 Orwell Prize for Political Writing, warned attendees at the BESA Annual Conference that there will always be people “who just want to make money out of you” and are prepared to ignore safety warnings. “Beneath the surface, there’s a lot of work that isn’t changing.”

‘Swiss cheese’ model
According to Apps, the industry continues to rely on the ‘Swiss cheese’ model, which involves multiple safety layers, but each one has holes in it and project teams simply hope that one will prevent a fire from spreading.

“We cannot keep relying on luck,” urged Apps. “We are still counting a lot of near misses, while the world is becoming hotter, which inevitably means there will be more building fires,”

Apps added that there’s a chance buildings will become less safe with the wider adoption of modern methods of construction and lightweight structures. That said, he informed conference that construction is “a great industry” and people working within its boundaries now have the opportunity to reform it “by ensuring every building we work on is safe”.

Apps added a note of caution.

“We all need to be brave and ask the difficult questions that were not asked before the Grenfell fire. There are people who were involved in that refurbishment project who would give anything to go back and do it again [properly]. Their lives are now consumed by it. Don’t let that happen to you.”

Wide-ranging debate

Following on from his keynote address, Apps took part in a wide-ranging debate on the impact of the legislation with members of BESA’s Building Safety Act 2022 Advisory Group. The session identified considerable confusion among contractors about their specific responsibilities, not to mention a somewhat worrying lack of engagement from clients.

Contractors also said they felt under pressure to provide better evidence of their organisational competence and compliance with the new safety regime and also to ensure their engineers are technically competent. While many reported that they are firmly “on the journey” towards attaining that particular goal, they voiced the view that more specific guidance and support is needed.

 

Source: Fire Safety Matters

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Keraflo’s Fire Valves first ever to achieve LPCB accreditation

 

As the Loss Prevention Standard changes to mandate use of compliant fire valves: Keraflo’s Fire Valves first ever to achieve LPCB accreditation

Keraflo’s innovative Fire Valves have become the first ever to receive important accreditation from the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB), a division of the Building Research Establishment (BRE). This significant endorsement highlights the exceptional standards and build quality of Keraflo’s products, setting a new benchmark for the performance of fire safety in commercial buildings.

The path to LPCB accreditation requires products to undergo stringent and rigorous testing to ensure they meet the highest safety and performance standards. Keraflo’s Fire Valves have been subjected to these exacting tests, demonstrating their robust design, reliability and efficiency in critical fire safety applications.

 

 

Designed with advanced features to provide reliable performance in emergency situations, the valves are built to withstand harsh conditions and maintain functionality over extended periods, ensuring that they operate effectively during a fire event to manage water flow and pressure. Designed for compatibility with a wide range of fire protection systems, the valves can be seamlessly integrated into new installations or retrofitted into existing systems.

 

Highlighting Keraflo’s commitment to unrivalled quality and assurance, the rigorous BRE testing process has enabled the Fire Valve range to boast an unprecedented 10-year warranty. This is 10 times the industry standard and provides unparalleled peace of mind.

 

 

 

“The accreditation for Keraflo comes at an important time in the industry,” explains Richard Braid, Managing Director of Keraflo. “The LPS 1276 standard, issued in December 2018, mandates that contractors must use valves conforming to LPS 2083. However, until recently, LPS 2083 only existed in draft form, leading to varying interpretations and the use of alternative, , products. This ambiguity ended on May 23, 2024, when LPS 2083 became an integral part of the LPS 1276 standard, prohibiting the use of non-compliant alternatives.”

The integration of LPS 2083 into the LPS 1276 standard is a critical step forward for fire safety. This standard outlines the requirements for the design, installation and maintenance of fire protection systems, ensuring that all components work together seamlessly to provide optimal protection. The inclusion of LPS 2083 means that fire valves used in commercial buildings should now meet these rigorous standards, eliminating the risk posed by alternatives. This change is expected to save lives by ensuring that all fire protection systems are capable of performing their intended functions under real-world conditions.

“Contractors will need to ensure that all new installations are compliant and existing systems are updated to meet the new standards,” continues Richard.

“For building owners and managers, it offers an opportunity to reassess their fire protection strategies and install appropriate systems that provide the highest level of protection. The use of LPCB-accredited products like Keraflo’s Fire Valves will not only ensure compliance but also enhance the overall safety profile of their buildings.”

 

For contractors, building owners and fire safety professionals, the adoption of Keraflo’s Fire Valves represents a critical step forward in enhancing fire protection and ensuring the safety of occupants in commercial and public buildings.

CLICK HERE TO EMAIL KERAFLO

OR TELEPHONE 0118 921 9920

 

 

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AIM FIRE STOP BLOCKS NOW TESTED FOR WIDER APPLICATION

 

AIM – Acoustic & Insulation Manufacturing Fire Stop Blocks are now backed by test evidence covering a wider range of applications.  Tested to the principles of BS EN 1366-4:2021, AIM’s Fire Stop Blocks also have IFC Certification Ltd third-party certification.

 

Made from high density stonewool, AIM Fire Stop Blocks are incorporated into multi storey buildings during construction to seal apertures.  They are used where the underside of a profiled metal sheet, typically a composite deck, needs to be filled to prevent the passage of smoke and fire to maintain fire compartment lines and to reduce the transmission of sound.

 

“At AIM we continuously strive to improve our product certification.  We now have test evidence covering a much wider range than previously – we think the widest of all fire stop block manufacturers,” explains Ian Exall, AIM’s Commercial Director.

“Our Fire Stop Block range is comprehensive.  Additionally, our CNC machine can manufacture Fire Stop Blocks to pretty much any profile,” he adds.

 

 

Available in lengths up to 1200mm or in shorter pre-cut blocks, AIM’s Fire Stop Blocks are designed to fill the flutes of trapezoidal formwork.  With its CNC wire saw capability AIM manufactures Fire Stop Blocks to almost any profile or customer’s dimensions.  The CNC cut provides ultimate accuracy especially for profiles with rounded shoulders.

 

For maximum protection, Fire Stop Blocks should be sourced at a length to match the width of the wall or partition.  The compression fit means mastics and sealants are not required for most applications and the Fire Stop Blocks are easy to install without tools.  If the head of a masonry wall is rough, then a metal ‘slip plate’ can be used to provide a smooth surface for the Fire Stop Block to slide across.

 

Ablative/pre-painted Fire Stop Blocks are also available if required, these should be sealed around their perimeter using AIM Acrylic Intumescent Mastic.

 

AIM’s 100mm Fire Stop Blocks provide a one-hour integrity and insulation fire rating whilst the 125mm solution provides a two-hour integrity and insulation fire rating.  The ratings are supported by testing to BS EN 1366-4:2021, which provide a specific methodology for ‘testing fire stops installed into permanent trapezoidal formwork’.  Tata Steel’s C19, CF80 and CF225 profiles were used in the testing programme – direct field of application that covers most profiled metal decking available in the current market.

 

Ablative Fire Stop Blocks, sealed with AIM Intumescent Mastic, have also been tested for applications where air tightness and general aesthetics are more important.

 

The tested profiles are now supported by third party certification from UKAS accredited IFC Certification Ltd, a process involving independent auditors which ensures the product that had been fire tested is the product that is sold to market and the finished product is manufactured to consistently high standards.  Regular audits ensure the standards of production are maintained.

 

A new AIM Fire Stop Block technical datasheet, which explains the application, scope of test evidence and fixing instructions:

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE DATA SHEET

 

AIM’s specification team is on hand to advise specifiers, fire consultants/engineers, metal deck system holders and installers, including cladding and bricklaying contractors, dryliners and fire protection contractors.

 

Part of the Performance Technology Group, UK-based Acoustic & Insulation Manufacturing has over 30 years-experience in the design, testing and manufacturing of high-quality fire, thermal and acoustic barriers.  The company produces a wide variety of bespoke insulation products to customer specification and a range of standard fire, thermal and acoustic insulation products.

CLICK HERE TO VIST THE AIM WEBSITE

 

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CBFM Announces Expansion into the Northeast

Delivering excellence every day…

CBFM Announces Expansion into M&E Installation and Maintenance Across the Northeast

 

CBFM, a long-established local firm in the Northeast, is set to further expand its operations in the commercial and institutional buildings sector. The company will offer bespoke installation and maintenance contracts for full HVAC services including commercial heating and air conditioning with an emphasis on delivery service excellence and energy efficiency.

With a strong customer base in the healthcare, manufacturing, and commercial office sectors, CBFM aims to broaden its service offerings. Based at the Team Valley Trading Estate for many years, CBFM plans to increase its highly skilled workforce of trained and qualified technicians. The expanded services will include site surveys, calculation drawings, installation and maintenance work schedules, and emergency callouts. Specific services encompass the design, installation, and commissioning of air conditioning and cooling systems, heating systems, and hot water delivery systems.

A company spokesperson, Harl Bowman, stated,

“We have built our reputation on service excellence, ensuring the job is done with minimal fuss. Our team of highly trained and qualified engineers consistently deliver outstanding results.”

A satisfied customer said, “CBFM manages numerous sites for us in the Northeast, from single comms room systems to a 220-bedroom hotel. The CBFM team is proficient in their work and communication with our customers. They are a first-class company to partner with.”

Another customer highlighted CBFM’s high standards, saying,

“We engaged CBFM for various building services at one of the largest hotels in the Northeast, including: Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing, Catering Equipment & Extraction, Cellar Cooling.

“The new ventilation system provides guest bedrooms with an energy-efficient, low-noise solution. Heat Recovery Units and the required ductwork and grills were installed by CBFM’s specialist teams. The climate control air conditioning system now supplies both heating and cooling to the function room, ensuring optimal comfort for guests and staff at large events.

 

Concealed air conditioning units maintain the room’s aesthetics while providing the necessary temperatures. All units were supplied and installed by CBFM’s highly professional air conditioning installation teams.

CBFM’s Gas Safe commercial heating teams also installed the commercial boiler and cylinder, providing essential services to the kitchen and washrooms, along with LPG gas for the kitchen catering equipment.

For the company Dean Baardman added,

“Being based in the heart of the North East allows us to be onsite quickly and deliver service excellence to our clients and customers.

This is the ethos we live by—delivering excellence, everyday”

CLICK HERE For more information of CBFM services

 

 

 

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ZENTIA’S FISSION FAMILY: EXCEPTIONAL VALUE AND SUSTAINABILITY

 

Zentia’s Fission family is made up of three of its most popular ceiling tiles. Offering perfectly balanced and affordable acoustic performance alongside a range of differing semi-bevelled visuals, it offers exceptional value for money across a wide range of interiors.

 

The Fission tile family is always in stock, as it is manufactured at Zentia’s manufacturing facility in Gateshead, UK. Made up of 51% recycled content, and 100% recyclable, it offers projects the ability to enhance eco-friendly credentials, with sustainable ceiling tiles. The tiles are also rated Euroclass A2-s1, d0 and come with a 30 year warranty when fitted with a Zentia grid system.

 

Fission in Practice

Farnborough International Air Show were looking for a ceiling tile solution suitable for its corporate hospitality and business chalets, used by prestigious exhibitors such as Boeing and Rolls Royce.

 

The Air Show wanted a sustainable solution, and therefore looked for a ceiling tile that they would be able to recycle at the end of the event. As a result, it partnered with Zentia to fit Fission FT, before recycling the tiles from more than 200 of its temporary corporate hospitality and business chalets and exhibition halls using Zentia’s recycling service. Find out more about the impressive undertaking in the recycling initiative at the Air Show.

 

About Fission

The Fission tile offers a classic directional fissured pattern and is available in a variety of regular and board edge varieties. It is a reliable tile that provides effective acoustic performance, successfully balancing sound retention and reverberation.

 

Fission FT

The Fission FT is the premium tile within the family, equipped with an ultra-fine, non-directional fissured pattern for seamless installation. It is rated Class C in sound absorption, which means that it can effectively absorb sound travelling through the air. It is also available in three different edge details and a choice of white and black, making it an extremely versatile option for a range of project applications.

 

Fission ND

The Fission ND is a white mineral ceiling tile with a non-directional fissured pattern to allow for easy installation. It is available in a variety of tegular and board edges and is able to boost sustainability credentials due to it containing up to 51% recycled content and being 100% recyclable.

 

No matter which Fission tile you choose, you can count on getting great value, quality, and effective noise control, all at an affordable price point. Find the perfect ceiling for your next project with our budget-friendly Fission range.

CLICK HERE to visit the Zentia website

 

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ZENTIA’S COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY

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The built environment is responsible for approximately 25% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions. This staggering statistic underscores the urgent need for change within our industry. At Zentia, we are working hard to reduce our impact on the environment as much as possible and help in the journey towards a better future.

Our comprehensive ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) report details our ongoing efforts and ambitious targets to significantly reduce our environmental impact and support the global drive towards Net Zero by 2050.

 

What we have achieved so far

In our ceiling tile manufacturing process, we repurpose 1,400 tonnes of pre-consumer waste, sourced from local suppliers. That is the equivalent to the weight of approximately 12 blue whales! When newspaper production was in decline due to the COVID-19 pandemic and growing trends of online readership compared to traditional print, we reviewed our manufacturing process and now we also incorporate 200 tonnes of pre-consumer egg cartons into our ceiling tiles, the equivalent of 16 cruise ship anchors.

Our recycling initiatives extend beyond our manufacturing process. Members of our award-winning Pinnacle Partnership Scheme gain access to our off-cut recycling scheme, allowing them to return tile off-cuts to our factory in Gateshead. These off-cuts are then reintroduced into our manufacturing process to create new tiles, promoting a circular economy.

We aim to conserve as much water as possible by also recycling the water used in our manufacturing processes.

Our commitment to ESG goes beyond just our environmental impact. As members of the North East Apprenticeship Ambassador Network, we are passionate about apprenticeships and retaining core skills within our local area. This initiative helps to ensure a skilled and competent workforce for the future.

Our promises and targets

Zentia’s journey from Armstrong Ceilings to an independent UK manufacturer marks the beginning of our focused ESG efforts. By 2025, we aim for all UK-made products to be covered by single product-level Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). We predict that 91.8% of our products will be manufactured in the UK by then. To ensure accuracy and transparency, we have started measuring resource usage at the product level and are working with BRE to enhance the value of our EPDs.

We have set a target to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2025, supported by £4.5 million investment and various process improvement projects. Our commitment to providing transparent information about our sustainability credentials will help us gain recognition in the market.

Health and safety best practices are also integral to our operations at Zentia. We strive for zero recordable incidents across our business, reflecting our responsibility towards our people and our dedication to creating a sustainable business environment.

We are proud of the strides we have made and remain dedicated to achieving our ambitious targets, ensuring a positive impact on the environment, our community, and the industry as a whole.

For more detail CLICK HERE to see our report

 

 

 

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Building with West Fraser on Mudeford redevelopment

Popular with sailors and surfers, Mudeford lies on a spit of land between Christchurch Harbour and the open sea, where residential properties rival Sandbanks in nearby Poole in terms of luxury and prestige. One of West Fraser’s customers, in a redevelopment project, is employing the company’s high performance panel products where a building is being transformed into a three-storey, five-bedroom dwelling with a rooftop sun deck.

The team carrying out the work for a private owner includes Steve Mayes who has gained a lot of experience of the West Fraser product range working for local developers, Glass Harbour Group and Ashhaus Construction: building bespoke, high specification homes.  As Steve explained: “On a lot of our projects, the architect’s drawings will specify the use of a certain thickness of chipboard or another panel product, but we tend to buy West Fraser’s SterlingOSB Zero for its quality and reliability.   The property I’m working on at the moment in Mudeford dates from the 1960s and is undergoing a full renovation as well as additions, so that it will have five bedrooms all en-suite, including the master which measures ten metres by seven.  There are some new blockwork walls as well as a couple which are retained, while we are building studwork partitions on the upper floors.  The roof, however, is far from conventional with two gables separated by a seven metre long ‘table-top,’ which has great sea views and is going to have a hot tub.  This is being built off cranked steels infilled with 7 x 3 timbers and 7 x 2 rafters carrying a plywood deck.  This is covered by a vapour barrier and 150mm of rigid foam insulation and then 18mm SterlingOSB Zero, which will be waterproofed with an Alwitra flexible single ply membrane.  Considering the poor weather we’ve had this year; progress has been good and we are on course to complete in early 2025.  Indoors, meanwhile, we are installing CaberDek across timber joists on the first and second floor with noggins fitted where any stud partitions are to be built.  We also routinely make use of CaberFix glue as well as 50mm ring shank nails to make sure there are no squeaks; the adhesive is applied to the tongue and groove joints as well.  We particularly like the ruggedness of the West Fraser boards which means you don’t get any damage to the edges when you are pulling them up over the scaffolding, like you do with some makes, slowing things up.  And once you get the first row fixed down, the consistent size avoids the misalignment that creeps in with other decking, which can take a lot of work to correct.”

 

All West Fraser panel products produced in the UK are net carbon negative and manufactured in mills that have obtained the coveted environmental ISO 14001 accreditation.  Responsibly sourced, the panels are FSC certified (C012533) and created from locally grown timber, cutting embodied carbon from transportation.

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or call 01786 812 921 for further information

 

 

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