Solid floor refurbishment research released

Kingspan Insulation has published a new white paper assessing how different floor insulation specifications can impact cost and floor-to-ceiling height in home refurbishments. The report is based on research from leading consultants — Currie & Brown. It shows that Kingspan Kooltherm K103 Floorboard can provide a cost-effective option for insulating solid floors without reducing headroom.

Ground floors in many UK homes are uninsulated. By retrofitting insulation in these areas, it is possible to reduce annual energy bills by as much as £65. When choosing insulation for these refurbishment applications, it is important to look at their thermal conductivity. Insulation materials with lower thermal conductivities are more efficient and can allow a compliant U-value to be achieved with a slimmer thickness of insulation. Currie & Brown carried out a cost analysis to see how this can affect solid floor applications.

The research looked at Kingspan Kooltherm K103 Floorboard, which has the lowest thermal conductivity of any commonly used insulation (0.018 W/m·K), and expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation with a thermal conductivity of 0.038 W/m·K. The insulation materials were compared in two refurbishment scenarios for an existing solid concrete floor with a sand and cement screed:

  1. The sand and cement screed was removed and replaced with insulation and either a 35 mm liquid screed or 65 mm sand and cement screed;
  2. The existing floor was excavated and replaced with a 100 mm concrete slab, insulation and the sand and cement or liquid screed

All constructions were designed to achieve a maximum U-value of 0.25 W/m².K – complying with the refurbishment requirements outlined within Approved Document L1B in England & Wales.

The research shows that it was considerably more cost effective to remove and replace the screed layer rather than excavating the entire slab. When adopting this approach, the Kingspan Kooltherm K103 Floorboard with liquid screed was the only construction which allowed existing headroom to be retained. This also avoids potential remedial costs relating to altering floor heights, such as raising fixtures and pipework, which were not considered within the analysis.

You can download and read the full white paper at: https://www.kingspan.com/gb/en-gb/products/insulation/kingspan-insight/maintaining-floor-to-ceiling-height-in-residential

For further information, please contact:
Tel: +44 (0) 1544 387 384
Fax: +44 (0) 1544 387 484
Email: info@kingspaninsulation.co.uk
Website: www.kingspaninsulation.co.uk
www.twitter.com/KingspanIns_UK
www.linkedin.com/company/kingspan-insulation-uk
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New framework unveiled to help industry become net zero carbon by 2050

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Building industry charity, the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) have unveiled an ambitious framework for the UK construction and property industry to help us transition new and existing buildings to become net zero carbon by 2050, in line with the ambitions of the Paris Climate Agreement.

The report follows six months of intense industry engagement, involving over 180 experts and stakeholders from across the built environment value chain, and is supported by 13 trade associations and industry bodies including BPF, RICS and RIBA. It provides an overarching framework of consistent principles and metrics that can be integrated into tools, policies and practices, and aims to build consensus in the industry on the approach to decarbonising buildings.

The new framework offers guidance for developers, owners and occupiers targeting net zero carbon buildings, setting out key principles to follow and outlining how such a claim should be measured and evidenced. Two approaches to net zero carbon are proposed by the framework which can be accurately measured:

  1. Net zero carbon – construction: the embodied emissions associated with products and construction should be measured, reduced and offset to achieve net zero carbon.
  2. Net zero carbon – operational energy: The energy used by the building in operation should be reduced and where possible any demand met through renewable energy. Any remaining emissions from operational energy use should be offset to achieve net zero carbon.

With the report presented as a starting point, the next ten years will see the scope and ambition of the framework increased to encourage greater action. In the short-term, additional requirements will be introduced to challenge the industry, including minimum energy efficiency targets and limits on the use of offsets. In the longer term, the two approaches for construction and operational energy will be integrated into a broader approach for net zero whole life carbon, covering all of the emissions associated with the construction, operation, maintenance and demolition of a building.

The work has been made possible thanks to the generous support of lead partner Redevco Foundation, and partners BAM, Berkeley Group, Grosvenor, JLL and Hoare Lea.

Richard Twinn, Senior Policy Advisor at UKGBC said “The urgency of tackling climate change means that businesses must work together to drive down emissions as fast as possible. But this requires a shared vision for what needs to be achieved and the action that needs to be taken. This framework is intended as a catalyst for the construction and property industry to build consensus on the transition to net zero carbon buildings and start to work towards consistent and ambitious outcomes. It is the first step on a journey towards ensuring all of our buildings are fit for the future.”

James Wimpenny, Chief Executive at BAM Construct UK added “Contractors, clients, supply chains need to work together – and quickly – to radically change the way we procure, design and deliver buildings. Smart use of renewable technologies and efficient use of low carbon materials are a priority. Reducing carbon makes financial sense over the lifecycle of buildings and that means we should not focus solely on capital costs when procuring a building.”

Rob Perrins, Chief Executive at Berkeley Group concluded “This framework is an important step towards defining net zero carbon buildings and helping the industry understand how they can be delivered. We want to help lead this work, which is so important to decarbonising the built environment and protecting our planet for future generations. Sustainability runs through everything we do at Berkeley Group. We have already become a carbon positive business and have committed to creating new homes that can operate at net zero carbon by 2030.”

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Glass Goes BIG at FIT Show 2019

Visit Glass, the dedicated flat glass showcase set to debut at FIT Show 2019, has seen a number of high profile brands sign up to exhibit at the NEC this May (21st to 23rd).

The lineup has grown considerably in recent months to include the likes of Lisec, GGR Group, Flat Glass Solutions, Edgetech and Saint-Gobain. Visitors can expect an impressive display of the latest processing machinery, products and equipment.

Experts from a number of Visit Glass’ exhibiting brands are scheduled to deliver key notes as part of the main FIT Show learning programme. Topics that will be covered include ‘the evolution of glass’, ‘flat glass technology’, ‘automation’, ‘pushing the boundaries of glass design to meet creative trends in large scale commercial architecture’, as well as ‘the comfort and health benefits of glass’.

Flat Glass Solutions will be showcasing a water treatment centrifuge, a new and innovative eco-friendly polishing wheel for processors, a rotary table and snip saw for IG manufacturing, along with a vacuum lifter for glass. Speaking about their decision to exhibit, Managing Director David Cahill said: “As a brand that is still in its infancy we want to expose our new products and ideas to the industry. Visit Glass will allow us to do just that.

“We’re looking forward to meeting with prospective customers, with the potential to rapidly expand our customer base, speaking directly to our target market. It’s such a long time since we had a glass show in the UK, I’m excited to see how the glass industry responds to Visit Glass.”

Edgetech Managing Director Chris Alderson comments: “We always look forward to the FIT Show, but this one is shaping up to be particularly special. We’ll be taking the opportunity to celebrate Super Spacer’s astounding success over three decades with friends throughout the industry. We’ll be introducing customers to our new e-commerce system. And, after a lot of intensive research and development behind the scenes, we’ll be unveiling our cutting-edge new spacer product.

“I’m also delighted that Joe Erb, one of Edgetech’s most senior and long-serving employees, will be making the journey to share his wisdom with us!”

Recent preregistration data has reinforced the quality audience that is being driven to this year’s FIT Show. As well as registration being significantly higher than the same period in previous campaigns, 45% of those registered for FIT Show 2019 have a turnover of over £1m, with more than half of those registered being C-suite decision makers or higher.

FIT Show Event Director, Nickie West added: “We’re delighted with the support that has been shown for the inaugural Visit Glass. We knew that there was a gap in the market to create a dedicated showcase for flat glass, and Visit Glass will do just that.

“This new feature has broadened our appeal to architects, specifiers and commercial installers too. We look forward to welcoming faces old and new to the NEC this May.”

For more information www.fitshow.co.uk/visit-glass
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Daylighting fit for Kings

Recent redevelopment of the food court at Kings Mall Shopping centre, on a five-acre site in London’s Hammersmith area, exposed up some interesting and complex challenges.

As part of the ongoing development, the new residential apartments above the shopping centre were being adversely affected by light pollution and lack of privacy from visitors looking through the food court atrium.

To solve this problem, owners and developers Schroders decided to install Kalwall translucent cladding around the whole of the atrium. This screened the external courtyard above, thereby mitigating the issues around privacy, while maintaining the maximum levels of interior daylight.

Installed in a Verti-Kal pattern, the Kalwall panels complement the industrial feel of the redevelopment and its hard concrete and stone surfaces, while providing several benefits for shoppers and residents alike.

This project perfectly illustrates the advantages of Kalwall over traditional glazing. Here it offers complete line-of-sight protection, maintaining privacy for the residents and controlling light pollution, while bathing the interior with diffused daylighting, regardless of the weather. The panels are lightweight but very durable with excellent resistance to impact and scratching. They are also vandal resistant with good protection against windborne debris.

In addition, Kalwall’s insulating properties mean that U-values down to 0.28 can be achieved while daylight is driven deeper into the interior space below, thereby reducing energy costs for both artificial lighting and temperature control.

The exterior face is colour stable and includes a UV resistant, self-cleaning surface. This means that normal rainfall helps to keep the surface free of dust and dirt while at the same time retaining the original colour during the weathering process. All this helps to reduce the costs of maintenance and cleaning.

Case studies and technical information are available from Structura UK Ltd on Tel: 01233 501 504 or by visiting www.structura-uk.com/kalwall

 

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Rinnai – free training for all installers & contractors offering service & maintenance to end users

Rinnai, the UK leader in continuous flow hot water heating units and systems, is now offering FREE training courses to any installer or contractor who wants to extend their business and offer service and maintenance to their customers.

The FREE courses will include comprehensive training on Best Practise of system design, sizing, installation, service, maintenance, regulations and legislation both current and pending.

There is an end user expectation of being offered Service & Maintenance plans largely as a result of the domestic boiler market and other consumer appliances. Rinnai has seen enquiries and demand increase in recent years.

“We believe we make the best products in the continuous flow arena and we strive to offer the very best in customer service excellence. We are committed to the installer and contractor as the route to the end user. Offering training absolutely FREE of any charge is also part of that commitment, says Phil Nolan (Training officer) for Rinnai.

“We will be offering selected Service Plans to include Call Outs, Planned Maintenance & Safety checks in order to give specific customers a total solution. We will be, as always, working with our installer and contractor customers to enhance and add value to their business offering.“ adds Tony Gittings, MD.

Rinnai produces over 12 million gas appliances every year and the products are distributed globally to all parts of the world. All units are ISO 9001 and ISO 1400I certified (International standard for environmental management systems).

Supported by many optional extras including extensive warranties and fully qualified technical after sales service teams, Rinnai is the first choice for continuous flow hot water. Rinnai hot water systems fulfil all possible requirements on new or existing projects, providing the optimum solution by using individual or multiple appliances in a cascade system.

“Rinnai employ innovative manufacturing and testing techniques to deliver unparalleled levels of safety, comfort and efficiency for the end user.” says Tony Gittings.

For more information visit www.rinnaiuk.com
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Passivhaus Estate constructed with Kingspan TEK

The Kingspan TEK Building System is providing a precise offsite building solution for one of the country’s largest Passivhaus developments in Bowthorpe, Norwich.

Rayne Park is the first development by Norwich Regeneration Company, wholly owned by Norwich City Council, and will include a mixture of private and affordable housing. RG Carter are constructing 112 of the 172 properties on the development to the Passivhaus Standard. The internationally renowned energy efficiency standard requires buildings to be both highly insulated and airtight.

After reviewing the market offering to achieve the demanding fabric requirements of the Passivhaus Standard, it was concluded that the Kingspan TEK Building System was the best solution for the project on the basis of technical specification and value offered.

Kingspan TEK structural insulated panels (SIPs) feature a high-performance insulation core sandwiched between two layers of OSB/3. The panels were fabricated to the site’s requirements by Kingspan TEK Delivery Partner, Kingspan Timber Solutions. This offsite fabrication process allowed the panels to be factory cut to the specific design requirements, minimising waste and allowing an accurate, fast-track erection process on site.

Kingspan TEK Building System panels can achieve U-values of 0.20 – 0.17 W/m2.K, or better ‘out of the box’. With the addition of an additional layer of insulation, the site team were able to further improve the thermal performance of the external walls – achieving a final external wall U-value as low as 0.09 W/m2.K.

The panels’ proprietary jointing system not only allows continuity of insulation at junctions but, in combination with the OSB/3 facings, also helps to create highly airtight buildings. Once the outer shell was erected, RG Carter installed an additional internal membrane and applied airtight tape to all joints, resulting in a final air leakage rate of from 0.37 to 0.56 air changes per hour @ 50 Pa. This highly airtight design necessitates the use of a mechanical ventilation heat recovery system (MVHR) to maintain a constant supply of fresh air within the properties. MVHR units use the heat from outgoing stale air to warm incoming fresh air, further reducing the property’s heating demand and creating a fresh and comfortable indoor environment.

It is expected that the properties will have a heating demand of just 11 kWh/m2a and a primary energy requirement pf 77 kWh/m2a. This heating demand is around 10% of that of an average home (estimated to be 140 kWh/m2/yr ), making them both cheap to run and comfortable to live in.

For further information, please contact:
Tel: +44 (0) 1544 387 384
Fax: +44 (0) 1544 387 484
E.mail: literature@kingspantek.co.uk
Website: www.kingspantek.co.uk
www.twitter.com/KingspanIns_UK
www.linkedin.com/company/kingspan-insulation-uk
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Formica Group brings pre-packed Scandi-style cladding to UK shelves

VIVIX® Lap in Chalet Oak

  • Overlap cladding available in pre-packaged planks
  • Ideal for installers, self-builders and professionals
  • A screw fixed solution means fixings are concealed for a perfect finish
  • No pre or post installation treatments required
  • Available in eight colours and four wood tones

Formica Group, a leading global manufacturer of surfacing products continues its innovative approach to rainscreen cladding, with the introduction of new VIVIX® Lap high performance exterior weatherboard cladding. VIVIX Lap is a modern alternative to wood and fibre cement plank cladding, providing great looks, quick and simple installation and requiring little ongoing maintenance.

Pre-cut VIVIX Lap planks are applied in an overlap arrangement, providing a classic cladding style, with a modern twist. Aimed at residential and commercial audiences, including installers and self-builders, VIVIX Lap planks can be applied to everything from new build housing and renovation projects, garden offices, sheds and garages, to commercial business parks and retail outlets.

Formica

VIVIX® Lap in Storm

Lightweight, easy to install and moisture resistant, VIVIX Lap cladding does not require pre or post installation treatments or need to be painted during its lifetime. A simple screw fixed solution, fixings are concealed by the next overlapping plank to create, sleek, clean lines. A range of complementary colour matched finishing profiles and trims are available to create the perfect finish.

Versatile, VIVIX Lap cladding is a cost effective way to improve the look and efficiency of older buildings, as it can be installed into existing schemes and can be designed to include additional insulation. VIVIX Lap planks can also be used to fully clad new builds or create a design feature alongside materials such as brick, render or glass.

Formica diamond black

VIVIX® Lap in Diamond Black

VIVIX Lap comes in packs of four, 2990mm (length) by 180mm (height) planks, in a 6mm thickness, which can be applied directly onto the cladding support frame or cut to size/site modified if required, with minimal dust or mess.

Available in eight plain colours from fresh Alpino to sleek Diamond Black, as well as four beautiful TrueScale wood decors, VIVIX Lap comes with a complete range of complementary colour matched accessories including installation profiles and trims and screws.

VIVIX Lap is a complete weatherboard cladding system.

For more information please visit www.formica.com

 

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Showstopping Learning Programme Announced for FIT Show 2019

FIT Show, the UK’s only dedicated event for the glass and glazing industry, has announced the launch of its free three-day learning programme for its 2019 show (Birmingham NEC, May 21st – 23rd).

The showstopping programme is made up of over 20 hours of learning content, with 50 sessions that have been developed to reflect the wants and needs of the industry, as well as FIT Show’s broadened audience.

Sessions will tackle key industry issues such as the skills gap, and bring expert content in the form of CPD certified seminars. Alongside this, the programme will deliver practical advice through workshops, business clinics and practical product demonstrations.

The full schedule, which will kick start at 10.30am on the opening day of the show (Tuesday 21st May) can be accessed via the FIT Show website. Visitors can choose from two theatres, the ‘Insight Theatre’ and ‘Discovery Theatre’, with sessions running concurrently across the three days.

FIT Show 2019 visitors can expect a diverse mix of topics, including tackling mental health in construction, driving leads and making your business more profitable, guidance on legislative changes, upskilling, automation, flat glass processing, smart home technology and much more.

Practical product and tool demonstrations will be delivered by the likes of BBC Young Carpenter of the Year and multi-award-winning tradesman, Tibby Singh. Business clinics will be delivered by various exhibitors on their stands.

A special marketing village will be hosted across the three days by Insight Data and Purplex Marketing. Visitors will be able to access firsthand information about how to better market their business, generate more sales leads, how to maximise data, and receive support and practical guidance about on and offline marketing channels such as social media.

On the third and final day of the show (Thursday 23rd May), the learning programme will commence at 10.00am with the focus shifting to skills under the badge of ‘Skills Thursday’. Skills Thursday will include content specifically designed to attract new talent into the fenestration industry in partnership with a number of key training and education provides, as well as Building Our Skills.

Employers will be able to receive advice about attracting the right talent, salary banding, unlocking funding for schemes such as apprenticeships and then how to retain that talent and upskills the workforce they have.

For college leavers, ex servicemen and career changers, there will be seminars and panel debates designed to showcase the length and breadth of opportunities that a career within fenestrations presents. Content will include CV writing advice, guidance on apprenticeships and training initiatives and real life success stories from people within the industry.

FIT Show Event Director, Nickie West commented: “We’re extremely proud of the content that has been curated for the FIT Show 2019 learning programme. We’ve been inundated with support from our exhibitors and experts from across the industry who have offered their guidance on the topics that need to be covered.

“Across the two theatres, we have compiled a showstopping programme which has been designed to bring the right people together to debate key industry issues, such as the skills gap, as well as delivering CPD approved content that will help our visitors do better business when they leave the show.

“There is less focus on brands, and a stronger emphasis on delivering rich and diverse advice, support, guidance and engaging content that we know will really add value to our visitors. And unlike previous years, much of the content will be one-off so if visitors miss it, then they run the risk of missing out!”

For a full breakdown of the programme, visit www.fitshow.co.uk/sessions-2019

 

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Sika concrete repair solution rises to challenge of tower block refurb

Sika supplied the corrosion-resistant repair solution as part of a huge refurbishment involving six social housing tower blocks.

The Brentford Towers in west London form an imposing cluster in an estate within the capital’s Hounslow district. Built between 1968 and 1978, the towers contain 88 homes in each of 6 twenty four storey point blocks with exciting views over the Thames and West London. Over time, the structures’ concrete façade had become cracked and spalled in areas, leading to Hounslow Council implementing a repairs programme as part of a major overhaul of the buildings.

UK Gunite was selected to apply the Sika repair system on behalf of the project’s main contractor, Engie UK. With work starting in 2017, it initially involved applying Sika® FerroGard®-903+, a surface-applied mixed corrosion inhibitor. This ingenious solution, which is based on organic compounds, is designed for use as an impregnation of steel- reinforced concrete. It is spray-applied and penetrates concrete to form a protective monomolecular layer on the surface of the reinforcing steel, thus delaying the corrosive process and the rate it progresses.

Surface cracks and spalling were then repaired using Sikagard®-545 W Elastofill. This quality product provides a crack-bridging intermediate coat, which closes pores, cavities and blowholes. It also offers excellent resistance to water ingress and damp. Sikagard®-550 W Elastic provided the concrete surface’s crack-bridging protective coating. Class ‘O’ fire-rated, Sikagard®-550 W Elastic the product is particularly ideal for exposed concrete structures susceptible to cracks and openings and the like. For the Brentford Towers refurbishment, Sika’s repair and corrosion protection solution was used across a surface area covering 25,000m².

John Dorling at Engie, said: “This was a huge project to undertake. Therefore, we required a concrete repair and protection system that was proven to be effective over large areas. The spray-applied Sika® FerroGard®-903+ was not only the best solution in terms of the protection it offered, it was also the most time and cost-effective, as its penetrative properties negated the need to break-out large areas of concrete. The Sikagard®-545 W Elastofill was also a revelation in terms of its crack-bridging ability and the light-grey finish it provided.”

Cllr Lily Bath, Cabinet Member for Housing and Social Inclusion, Hounslow Council, said “We are excited to be working with Sika, Engie and other suppliers to repair and return these iconic buildings to the landmark status that they have in West London, and to a condition that our residents deserve.”

By specifying Sika’s concrete repair and corrosion protection system, the project’s clients, Hounslow Council, have a 15-year guarantee on work involving large areas of concrete with carbonation beyond the depth of the reinforcement. Therefore, the structural integrity of these striking tower blocks has been future-proofed for the reassurance of client and occupants.

For more information please call 01707 394444, or visit www.sika.co.uk
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York Hospital again chooses Rinnai hot water heating units for upgrade

Clifton Park Hospital in York, advised by A J Gastech – has chosen Rinnai to upgrade its hot water heating system to meet the increasing demand whilst staying economically and environmentally efficient.

Clifton Park Hospital opened in 2006 has first-class medical facilities including 24 beds, two theatres, a day case unit, a large outpatient department with X-ray facilities and on-site physiotherapy, including a small gym area. In 2018, the hospital opened a new outpatient department with 11 consulting rooms, two treatment rooms and x-ray facilities.

Clifton Park prides itself on offering exceptional care and service to all its patients and currently has a 5 star rating on NHS Choices, 4 star rating on Google and 4.7 rating on Facebook reviews. In the most recent survey – NHS Family & Friend’s Test, 100% of inpatients and 98% of outpatients recommend the hospital.

The new water heating system features 3 Rinnai HDC 1200i plus a 500 litre cylinder. A Rinnai HD50i looked after the hot water demand for 10 years, without missing a beat, but due to expansion at the hospital a new bespoke system was required.

The decision was taken to upgrade to more energy efficient condensing hot water heaters and incorporate the 500 litre storage vessel to give the hospital a means of dealing with peak hour demands.

The heating engineer contractors, A J Gastech, were given just a 14 hour window in which to remove the existing system and replace it with the new one. This was achieved with a bit of time to spare, such is the expertise and professionalism of A J Gastech.

A J Gastec Ltd provide plumbing and mechanical contracting and maintenance for private customers, construction organisations in domestic, commercial and industrial sectors. The company offers services from installation to maintenance contracts with the variety of works involving sites throughout the UK for both public and private sector works.

Says Adam Stante for A J Gastech, “We are based in Bradford, the heart of Yorkshire, and we have a dedicated team of specialists that work throughout the UK, delivering high spec projects on time and on budget. Our standards are of the highest quality, cost effectiveness and to our client’s approval.”

The Rinnai HDC 1200i continuous model is for use on all high demand sites as it is easily capable of delivering 2000 litres per hour. It guarantees unparalleled levels of efficiency and hot water delivery for the end user whilst streamlining installations and guaranteeing future regulatory compliance.

This is a precision engineered water heating unit can also be combined as multiple units into one single, easy to handle module. Both HDC1200 internal and external models turn in a market leading energy performance of 107% net efficiency and offer superlative ranges of modulation as the system’s internal analytical system can modulate the burner range from 54kw to 2.4kw. The Rinnai HDC 1200i is engineered for minimal energy wastage and maximum energy performance.

It is worth remembering that Part L of the Building Regulations 2013 set minimum thermal efficiency levels of 90% for natural and 92% for LPG, consequently outlawing non-condensing gas fired water heaters for use in new build projects.

Rinnai units and systems are now the number one choice for large buildings and businesses with a heavy demand for constant hot water or where high peaks of demand occur at certain times. Any number of modules can be manifolded, so the water handling capacity is truly infinite and there is no risk of the ‘cascade’ of hot water ever running out.

The manifolded 1200i units can be delivered direct to site in one complete, easy to manage package and at a very competitive price. For the end user this guarantees considerable cost savings over other forms of hot water generation. The relatively compact footprint of all Rinnai units and systems means it can optimise plant room space and safeguard accessibility for maintenance and servicing.

There is huge potential for on-demand style water heaters such as the Rinnai HDC 1200i units to play their part in new build and in refurbishments where there are still many old systems that need replacing as well as old-style gravity fed water systems that use stored hot water.

The Rinnai Infinity HDC 1200i has lower greenhouse emissions because of the new reduced NOx burner technology.

As Clifton Park Hospital has a secondary flow and return system, complete range modulation is experienced ensuring that the system is running at optimum performance at all times.

For more information visit www.rinnaiuk.com
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