Government call for green innovations to beat climate change

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Britain’s best innovators and researchers are being invited to pitch their ideas to help tackle the effects of climate change on towns, cities and the countryside as part of modern Industrial Strategy.

Business and Energy Secretary Greg Clark recently announced 4 new research programmes to boost the UK’s resilience to climate change, develop digital environments, promote clean air and investigate how to use our land to boost health outcomes.

The £60 million funding pot was announced during the first ever Green GB Week – a government-led week of campaigning to encourage businesses, communities, funders and academics to renew their efforts to confront the global challenge of climate change.

Business Secretary Greg Clark said “Companies are capitalising on the UK’s world leading position in the greener economy as we transition to a greener, cleaner economy and is one of the greatest industrial opportunities of our time.

“The UK is a world leader in tackling climate change, cutting our emissions more than 40% since 1990 while growing our economy. When you combine Britain’s leadership, innovation and determination it is an unbeatable combination – exactly what our Industrial Strategy and Green GB Week are supporting and encouraging.”

UK Research and Innovation Chief Executive, Professor Sir Mark Walport, said “The recent IPCC report is a timely reminder of the challenges we face in tackling climate change. Storm Callum has highlighted the impact that extreme weather events can have on our communities.

“It is vital that the evidence generated by research is used effectively to navigate and mitigate the effects of climate change, and new technologies are developed to support a move to a low carbon economy.

“The Strategic Priorities Fund is important in supporting UKRI’s mission, allowing us to bring collective expertise from a wide range of disciplines and sectors to bear on addressing important matters affecting all of society.”

The programmes, administered by UKRI, will bring together a broad range of research disciplines, ranging from mathematics and biology to climate science and technology development to:

  • produce better data on climate risks to the UK
  • build a digital picture of our natural environment for greater monitoring and analysis of the impact of climate change
  • cut air pollution and protect vulnerable groups from its effects
  • use our land better, for the benefit of the environment and communities
  • develop ways for the UK to adapt to climate change

Chief Scientist of the Met Office, Professor Stephen Belcher, said “These programmes will allow the Met Office and our partners to make real progress in two areas of significant environmental impact: air pollution and climate change.

“Working together with other world-leading scientists from the UK’s academic community, we will be able to deliver tools and services which will benefit the lives and livelihoods of people across the UK.”

Competitions for the programmes will open in the coming weeks. Researchers and innovators can visit the UKRI website for updates.

The funding comes as part of the Strategic Priorities Fund, delivered by UKRI to drive an increase in high quality multi- and interdisciplinary research and innovation. It will ensure that UKRI’s investment links up effectively with government research priorities and opportunities. Further programmes will be announced in the coming months.

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Saint-Gobain Weber introduces intelligent weberjoint premium tile grout – developed by you, for you

A new premium tile fixing grout by Weber joins a comprehensive range of tile prep-fix-set and joint products that are designed for specifiers and professional tile applicators. New weberjoint premium tile grout offers market leading benefits and features that will achieve a high quality finish, beautiful aesthetics and long lasting performance.

weberjoint premium is a scratch-resistant, extra-flexible tile grout designed for interior and exterior tiling onto walls and floors and where some movement or vibration is expected. Suitable for all types of tiles – ceramic, porcelain, mosaic, quarry, natural stone, terrazzo and terracotta – weberjoint premium can be used for wooden floors and is recommended for floors with underfloor heating or undertile warming.

“This excellent, professional-standard grout is water repellent and has the additional advantage of Weber’s new PURE CLEAN anti-stain technology. This unique feature reduces the appearance of patchiness and greatly improves resistance to staining and discolouration,” says Tracey Dempster, head of marketing, Saint-Gobain Weber. “weberjoint premium also benefits from the addition of Mould Stop Technology which offers lasting protection from mould growth making it ideal for use in wet or damp environments.

“But we haven’t introduced this product for the sake of it, rather because our customers said ‘they want it’. weberjoint premium is the result of working with key customers who have completed surveys, interviews, tests and trials and ultimately told us what they really want. And now, with their help, we have a superior grout that our customers will love.”

A cement-based grout, weberjoint premium has rapid-setting qualities of just two hours following application, is easy to apply and suitable for joint widths of 1 – 20mm. It achieves a smooth, durable and efflorescence-resistant finish that stays looking great for longer. Available in an extended range of 18 colours with matching silicones, together they achieve a consistent finish and smart aesthetic. The performance and qualities of weberjoint premium are likely to appeal to the specification and building design sector.

weberjoint premium is supplied in 5kg sacks that each carry 200 Weber Rewards points as part of the popular Weber Rewards loyalty scheme where unique codes can be registered at www.loveweber.co.uk.

Weber’s tile fixing products are sustainably manufactured in modern manufacturing facilities in Bedfordshire, Shropshire and Ireland, ensuring product quality, conformity and availability with reduced transportation costs and CO₂ emissions. Weber provides a 10 year materials guarantee on all tile adhesives and grouts which are manufactured under the requirements of BS EN 12004:2007 and BS EN 13888:2009.

Another valuable service available to architects, specifiers and professional applicators in the use of Weber’s tiling products is the introduction of WeberSpec, an easy to use online tool that allows the creation of technically accurate tiling specifications at www.weberspec.co.uk. Here a full M40 specification to NBS standards is automatically generated, including all necessary components and ancillaries.

Weber has a team of experienced technical advisors who are available to provide advice both at the specification stage and during application. Detailed specifications can be provided for specific projects while site visits and on-site support can be arranged.

For more information about this product and for technical support, including award winning training courses, please contact Saint-Gobain Weber on 08703 330 070,or visit www.loveweber.co.uk. RIBA assessed tile fixing CPD bookings can be made by email: mail@netweber.co.uk.
A free download of the Weber Rewards ‘Redeem on the Go’ App for iPhone and iPad users is also available from iTunes and from Google Play for Android smartphones and tablet users. Follow Love Weber on Twitter @LoveWeber for the latest company news and updates.
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Rinnai hot water flows with freedom at Maidstone fitness centre

Rinnai gas fired continuous flow hot water and heating systems have been specified for use at a leading fitness centre in Maidstone, Kent, replacing an old thermal store configuration. The site houses gyms, class studios, swimming pool, bar and café plus changing and showering facilities.

The site, one of the busiest gym and sports complex in the South East, had been served by an old stored hot water heating system housed in a plant room accessible only via a gantry.

Rinnai proposed 3 x 1500e continuous flow hot water heating units cascaded to cope with the high demands. But the most important point for the site was that the Rinnai units could be installed externally to the space starved plant room, resulting in a freeing up of space and heavily reducing additional expenditure for the additional remedial works that would have been required if the site chose to replace ‘like for like’. This would have required the hiring of cranes and demolition work.

The installation was characterised as being ‘straightforward’ and in a matter of days fully operational. The three Rinnai 1500e units deliver almost 3,000 litres of hot water per hour – that is about 40% more than the previous system and, uses around 42% less fuel – mains gas in this case. Because the Rinnai configuration modulates to demand, the site needed about 2,700 litres per hour at the three peak times during the working day – which it did with room to spare.

The Rinnai offering to the site included a proven electrolytic limescale inhibitor – this maximises system efficiency in hard water areas. Limescale is said to decrease the efficiency of a hot water heating system over a very short period if left untreated. *

Rinnai offers a uniquely-powered electrolytic scale inhibitor kit for commercial hot water systems. This is independently tested, and it is a low-maintenance way of protecting a property against the damaging and expensive impact of limescale.

It gives long lasting protection against the formation of hard limescale and ensures that bacteria have fewer places to hide because of cleaner surfaces. This means that there is protection to the capital investment. It is WRAS Approved and used and specified in all market sectors such as manufacturing, hotels, retail and supermarkets, healthcare and education as well as public authorities.

Contractors to the site Scott Combustion chose the Rinnai 1500e units for a whole variety of reasons – reliable & continuous flow of useable hot water, safe temperature water distribution at all tap and shower points, overall energy efficiency and ease of installation plus minimal ongoing maintenance costs. Hot water is vital to the wellbeing of all gym customers.

Scott Combustion is a premium commercial and industrial building services maintenance and installation company. Operating throughout the world, it is equipped with specialist divisions for gas and oil boiler servicing, general gas works, air conditioning/refrigeration and electrical installation and testing

Since its establishment in 1980, Scott Combustion has been providing expert services and has expanded to operate all over the world, having completed contracts in China, Nigeria, Georgia, Armenia, Japan, Latvia, Sierra Leone, Cameroon, Senegal, Azerbaijan, Venezuela and many other countries.

Says Darren Morse for the company, “We aims to alleviate the stresses and strains generated by building service concerns and to ensure our clients can operate their companies or organisations without additional complication.

“We offer a full range of building services – from the servicing of a gas/oil boiler, the chlorination of a water system to air conditioning and refrigeration services. We provide our clients with an exclusive service to manage every potential issue in the building operations sphere.”

On this and all sites Rinnai 1500e units have the water temperature pre-set through easy-to-use, built in digital controls, eliminating the risk of scalding and potentially eradicating the need for thermostatic mixing valves. Water can be used simultaneously at several points of delivery with no loss of heat.

The Rinnai units are designed for use directly off the mains, with no need for large, ungainly and energy inefficient storage vessels – and they deliver up to 37 litres per minute on demand.

An important feature that demonstrates efficiencies is the fact that Rinnai, manufacturer of the industry’s widest range of continuous flow gas fired water heaters, has ‘A’ rated Eco-labels on all of its units.

Eco-labelling of products offers transparency to specifiers and end users in a clear and simple guide when sourcing the most energy efficient hot water heating units. Rinnai products also meet and exceed the requirements of the Building Regulations Part L (fuel and power) and with these bespoke system arrangements they can offer G3 and ACOP L8 best practice. The possibility of Legionella breeding is minimised as Rinnai units have no storage and therefore limit the environment for bacteria production.

Energy is only used on a Rinnai unit when there is demand – simple as that. There is a big potential of annualised fuel saving costs with a HDC1500ei low NoX unit – these costs can be minimised next to any comparable type of storage water heater, such as gas direct fired storage water heater or indirect cylinder system connected to the heating boiler.

Rinnai Infinity HDC1500i Low NOx can boast the modulation 14:1, 56.6kW to 4.0kW, on both Natural gas and LPG gas and operate at a flow rate of as low as 1.5l/min. Thanks to this high modulation range, the Rinnai units ensure that the optimum amount of energy is used to heat the water, minimising waste and maximising system efficiencies.

The HDC1500e low NoX is extremely lightweight and easy to handle at just 31 kg.

By developing this holistic condensing technology initiative, Rinnai offers a simple, viable, cost effective, and energy efficient solution to consumer on-demand needs for hot water.

*The UK Carbon Trust considers that for each 1mm of limescale on the heat transfer surface there will be a 7% increase in energy input to the boiler to meet the same heat demand. (Low temperature hot water boilers – CTV051, Carbon Trust 2012).

For more information on the RINNAI product range visit www.rinnaiuk.com
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REHAU introduces new guide to help M & E contractors navigate through the internal drainage maze

As high-rise buildings become more of a commonplace in congested urban areas, polymer specialist, REHAU has introduced a new guide that promises to help M&E Contractors tackle the mounting challenge of acoustic drainage.

The Sound of Silence is the M&E contractor’s essential guide to acoustic drainage is a 12-page guide which discusses the need for high performance internal drainage in multi-storey buildings- such as apartment blocks, hospitals and universities – to mitigate noise and keep building users happier.

As well as discussing why drainage acoustics are becoming more problematic in modern buildings, the guide also looks at common mistakes – such as the incorrect matching of pipe to bracketry and poor water flow – and discusses how to reduce noise and vibration to make internal drainage systems more quiet in operation.

Towards the end, the guide introduces REHAU’s RAUPIANO PLUS multi-layer pipe and accessories which can be used to combat drainage acoustics. The pipe has three layers to increase pipe rigidity and enhance its sound insulation properties; the smooth, abrasion-resistant inner layer optimises the flow, a mineral-filled mid layer ensures superb sound dampening properties, while the impact-resistant outer layer provides robustness and durability.

The Sound of Silence is the first free-to-download guide to be published under REHAUs‘ Build Your Legacy campaign – an initiative devised to encourage M&E contractors to consider how the product choices they make today will impact on a building’s performance in years to come. It focuses on the four key ways to deliver more sustainable, future proof installations by addressing Quality, Technical Knowhow, Trust and Reliability and Innovation and Sustainability.

Franz Huelle, Technical Manager for Building Solutions at REHAU said: “ As the UK construction sector bids to regenerate our towns and cities, the issue of noise pollution an acoustic management will only grow in significance. The Sound of Silence gives contractors everything they need to know about what causes drainage acoustics and how these issues can be overcome. With this helpful information at their fingertips, contractors can ensure their projects will leave a positive legacy for the building users, free from the noise and disturbances caused by rattling pipes and water hammer.”

Further guides will be released throughout 2018, tackling District Heating, 21st Century Plumbing and Heating, and Multi-occupancy buildings.

To download your guide or to find our more information please visit www.rehau.uk/buildyourlegacy
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Glendyne restores historic chapel to former glory

Cembrit Glendyne natural slates have been specified and installed on a unique renovation project for the Historic Hampshire landmark, Netley Chapel, which saw the local community contributing financially to the restoration project. Before slating began, the public were invited to site to mark the occasion and “sponsor a slate”. For a small donation, visitors wrote a message and signed the reverse of a roof slate. More than 900 Glendyne slates were decorated, raising £6,600 for the friends of the Royal Victoria Country Park. These slates were then installed on the roof of the chapel by Elliotts Premier Roofing of Southampton.

Royal Victoria Country Park was once the site of the world’s largest military hospital, the Royal Victoria Hospital (or Netley Hospital). Now, all that remains of the original hospital structure, which fell into decline after being severely damaged by fire in 1963, is Netley Chapel. Thanks to a multi-million pound grant from Hampshire County Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Victorian-era building has recently undergone extensive renovation, and now marks the beginning of a new chapter for the chapel.

Hampshire-based construction company, Brymor Construction was appointed as the main contractor for the project alongside roofing subcontractor, Elliotts Premier Roofing. Having worked with Cembrit many times in the past, Elliotts Premier Roofing selected 610mm x 305mm blue-grey Cembrit Glendyne natural slates for the refurbishment of the roof covering: “As one of the oldest companies in Southampton, it’s been a privilege for us to have played such a pivotal role in this project and work with other local organisations to restore this iconic chapel,” says David Stubbington of Elliotts Premier Roofing. “We chose Cembrit Glendyne slates for the project due to its flexibility to accommodate the roof design of the prestigious building. The end result is impressive and Glendyne really accentuates the character of the chapel.”

The chapel re-opened to the public in summer 2018. An exhibition in the main body of the chapel tells the story of the former hospital, from its beginnings in the 1850s, through the Boer War, and both World Wars up to the present day.

The project was completed in a timely fashion, and is one of the first to utilise the new large 24″ x 12″ (imperial) format. Netley Chapel was finished to an extremely high standard. Cembrit was on hand to offer support and advice for this landmark renovation project. “I assisted Hampshire Council with writing the roofing specification for this project,” commented Phil Wilden, Technical Manager Pitched & Small Element Roofing Products at Cembrit. “Throughout the roof construction phase, our Regional Sales Manager and I made routine visits to the site to ensure the product was being installed to the requirements of the specification and that of British Standard BS5534. This highlights the level of technical support that we offer our customers.”

Glendyne is a high quality slate that combines first-class performance with all the inherent beauty of natural slate, making it the ideal ‘natural’ choice for specifiers and roofers. Available exclusively from Cembrit in the UK, Glendyne is a distinctive blue-grey colour. The Glendyne quarry is one of the most modern slate quarries in the world. The quarry operates a quality management system based on EN ISO 9001 which is externally audited. This standard is adhered to rigidly, as are all quality standard procedures required by each regional market the quarry supplies.

Glendyne is tested to BS EN European standard, BS EN 12326-1:2014 which requires many of the laboratory tests (‘type testing’) to be performed at least annually and the factory production control (FPC) performed and recorded as a matter of routine by the producer.

To watch a video on the project, visit www.cembrit.co.uk/about/news/glendyne-restores-historic-chapel-to-former-glory

For further information visit www.cembrit.co.uk, email sales@cembrit.co.uk or tel: +44 (0) 208 320 1184.
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Stay in Control with GEZE Cockpit

A smart hub that let’s you take control of door, window and safety systems is being launched by GEZE UK at the Smart Buildings Show, (7-8 November 2018) at the Barbican, London.

GEZE Cockpit acts as ‘a brain’ – intelligently integrating door, window and safety technology into building management systems – and giving building designers greater options to create the next generation of smart buildings.

The hi-tech system, which is the first of its kind, uses the latest technology with open interfaces, and can be seen in operation on the GEZE UK stand, in Hall 2, Stand F3.

Offering more efficiency, security and convenience, combined with intelligent smoke and heat extraction and dynamic fire protection to protect targeted escape routes, the GEZE Cockpit can be used as stand-alone solution or integrated into an over-arching building management system (BMS).

With its open BACnet standard integration, GEZE Cockpit can be managed remotely using a PC, tablet or smartphone, providing flexible control via an IO 420 interface.

It can monitor external and internal temperatures and provide CO2 management – automatically opening vents to dissipate stale air and allow fresh air into the building to improve conditions for those inside.

GEZE Cockpit also features a night time ventilation programme which can reduce internal temperatures and provide the ideal climate for those entering the building in the morning. The system works with any autonomous ventilation system that the building may have in place and can also work alongside any mechanical system.

In a fire situation, GEZE Cockpit can quite literally be a life saver. It enables the automatic release of escape routes, opening doors and clearing emergency exits to provide a faster escape for people in the building.

GEZE Cockpit can be fully integrated into any building management system using the BacNet protocol but also has its own application package which can be accesssed remotely using a range of devices.

For more information visit www.cockpit.geze.com or to see GEZE UK’s comprehensive range of automatic and manual door closers call 01543 443000 or visit www.geze.co.uk
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Kingspan Access Floors launches new finishes

The world’s largest manufacturer, supplier, and installer of raised access floor solutions – has launched a new range of architectural floor finishes at London Build 2018. StoneWorks, WoodCraft and Resilient will deliver greater flexibility when designing first-class commercial spaces.

Integrated, bonded and overlay finishes include a wide variety of Terrazzo, Porcelain and genuine timber, all of which will be on display at stand G10. They will allow architects, designers and specifiers to elevate their interior spaces whilst ensuring practical access to the services underneath. The Kingspan Architectural Finishes are:

  • Integrated finishes, comprising a solid concrete core fused to a steel sheet with an edge band, which provide a rugged range of decorative concrete finished floor surfaces with all of the advantages of raised access flooring.
  • Bonded floor finishes which combine the outstanding visual appeal of natural wood and stone surfaces with the performance benefits of an access floor panel. The selected surface finish is bonded to the high-density particle board core and sits within a galvanised-steel tray.
  • Overlay tile finishes which is an innovative modular dry-install system that encompasses a ceramic tile fixed to a steel sheet with an injection moulded plastic connector frame and rubber joining strips. This has been developed specifically for challenging, high-traffic commercial environments, such as airports, offices and retail stores.
  • Attiro – an overlay engineered timber solution– includes magnetised staves which provide the look and feel of a traditional wooden floor, whilst allowing access to the void.

Kingspan Access Floors provides effective and efficient systems for swift access to sub-floor service voids in commercial, education and data centre buildings. The access flooring systems are practical applications by design, but the high-quality aesthetic finishes ensure architectural intent is never compromised. This makes them the perfect choice for prestigious developments.

A copy of the new Kingspan Architectural Finishes brochure can be requested by emailing KAFinfo@kingspan.com

For more information please call 01482 781701, email KAFinfo@kingspan.com or visit www.kingspanaccessfloors.com
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Rinnai: The 1200i continuous flow hot water heating unit – for every commercial site

RINNAI HOT WATER – INSTANT, CONTINUOUS, LIMITLESS AND SENSIBLY ECONOMIC FOR EVERY TYPE OF COMMERCIAL SITE

Now available from Rinnai UK, manufacturers of the world’s leading continuous flow gas-fired hot water heater units and systems, is the HDC 1200i continuous model for use on all high demand commercial sites. It is capable of delivering in excess of 1560 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 precision engineered water heating unit can also be combined as multiple units into one single, easy to handle module incorporating cascade frames and common flue. Both the HDC 1200 internal and external models turn in a market leading energy performance of 107% net efficiency and offer superlative ranges of modulation as the systems internal analytical system can modulate the burner modulation 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 has 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 is the only manufacturer that can supply a complete range of internal and external ultra-high efficiency condensing continuous flow water heaters, aligned not only to comply but surpass changes on the regulatory horizon.

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 projects alike, where in the latter there are still many old systems that need replacing. By replacing this older technology with new condensing appliances will help support the UK drive towards greener industry.

The Rinnai Infinity HDC 1200i water heater uses heat exchanger technology to allow the largest capacity flow rates, thereby guaranteeing all the hot water needed, when it is needed. As well as increasing capacity, the Rinnai Infinity water heater has lower greenhouse emissions because of the new reduced NoX burner technology and as there is no storage, this scores well with BREEAM.

Available in both internal and external versions, HDC 1200i gives end users 105.5% net efficiency as the condensing process delivers up to 95% thermal efficiency, translating into significant energy savings when compared to standard tankless water heaters.

With a continuous flow water heating unit, it will deliver limitless amounts of useable hot water, whatever the site – school, hospital, hotel, office blocks, leisure club etc with no fluctuations in water delivery temperature.

The only time the site uses energy to heat water is when there is a demand, in other words, it is only burning gas when a tap or shower is being run.

For more information on the RINNAI product range visit www.rinnaiuk.com
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Not one but two new 18V LXT 5-piece brushless kits from Makita

*   Construction and woodworking options providing financial savings

*   Kits come with three 18V batteries and twin port fast charger in a carry holdall

Makita, the UK’s number one professional power tool manufacturer, has introduced two new 18V LXT 5-piece brushless kits which represent a substantial saving by comparison with individual purchases.

The new DLX5042PT kit contains a combi drill, impact driver, angle grinder, rotary hammer and a handy LED flashlight and is packaged as the 5-piece construction kit.

The Makita DHP484 combi drill will run up to 2,000rpm in high mode, 500rpm in low mode, with an impact performance of 30,000ipm in high and 7,500ipm in low modes, with a maximum torque of 54Nm with 21 settings and drill mode. This combi drill will punch a 13mm hole in masonry, and with all-metal gear box and aluminium gear housing is ideal for rugged site operations.

The compact DTD153 single-speed impact driver produces 170 Nm of torque, 3,600ipm, with a no load speed up to 3,400 rpm. This model has a ¼” hex; one-touch chuck, an electric brake, variable speed control trigger, and as with all power tools in this kit, the DTD153 features a brushless motor for longer runtime, less friction and more torque.

Also contained in this comprehensive kit is the DGA456 115mm angle grinder which will run up to 8,500 rpm with a maximum 6mm wheel thickness. It features Automatic Speed Control which changes the cutting speed according to the load condition.

The powerful DHR242 SDS+ rotary hammer will punch a 24mm hole into concrete, 13mm in steel and 27mm in wood. It will run up to 950rpm and generates up to 4,700 blows per minute with 2.0 Joules of impact energy.

The second kit is the DLX5043PT more suited to woodworking applications. This kit features the combi drill, impact driver and flashlight contained in the DLX5042PT kit together with a circular saw and jigsaw.

The Makita DHS680 cordless circular saw produces 680 watts of motor power that will run the 165mm blade up to 5,000rpm without load and also features Automatic Speed Control. Maximum cutting depth at 0° is 57mm; 41mm at 45° and 37mm at 50°. A large lock-off lever fixes the cutting angle. In operation a blower function blows sawdust off the cutting line for a clear view of the blade path, and Makita recommends that a rear dust port should be connected to use a dust extraction system.

The DJV182 jigsaw will run from 800 up to 3,500 strokes per minute with a 26mm stroke length giving a maximum cut in wood of 135mm, 10mm in steel and 20mm in aluminium. The rigid aluminium base bevels 0-45°, both left and right. For safety, after the trigger is released, the machine will lock automatically if the lock-on button is not pressed within 10 seconds.

Both new Makita kits provide a financial saving over buying the products individually and are supplied complete with three 18V 5.0Ah Lithium-ion batteries and a twin-port fast charger. The tools are packaged in a rugged, flexible tool bag that has a shoulder strap, handgrip and very useful trolley wheels and an extendable handle for ease of transport of your tools whilst keeping them safe.

For more news and product information about Makita UK please visit www.makitauk.com. Follow us on Twitter @MakitaUK, Facebook.com/makitauk and google.com/+makitauk
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Kingspan launches new facades business

Kingspan Group, the global leader in high performance insulation and building envelope solutions, has announced the launch of Kingspan Facades – a new business designed to help architects enhance their designs without compromising on technical performance.

Combining systems and expertise from across the Group, Kingspan Facades is a service-led business providing specifiers with a comprehensive portfolio of advanced building envelope systems suitable for a multitude of applications and architectural styles. This aesthetic offering is supported with four robust substructure solutions that encompass Kingspan’s advanced core insulations alongside options using more traditional materials.

Mel Courtney, Managing Director of Kingspan Facades explains the vision for the new business:

“We’re noticing a real drive in the industry for more detailed and accessible technical guidance, particularly around facade systems. By offering solutions incorporating all of Kingspan Group’s facade products under a single business, we are in a unique position to provide the most appropriate solution. We offer a single source approach from the Steel Framing System, insulation, right through to the external facade – one point of contact for customers for the full through-wall system solution, reinforced by the technical support that Kingspan is renowned for”.

Kingspan Facades will be underpinned by an industry-leading Compliance Assured scheme. Compliance Assured by Kingspan is a robust assurance framework to support customers through design, installation training and on-site inspection during construction and handover of a BR 135 / BS 8414 tested Kingspan Facade system. This scheme, an industry first, shows Kingspan taking action to address the call for higher standards of installation and oversight on construction projects identified in the Hackitt Review earlier this year.

Describing the significance of the Compliance Assured service, Kingspan Facade’s Technical Director Dr. Thomas Henriksen said:

“In her review of Building Regulations and fire safety, Dame Judith Hackitt highlighted a number of key recommendations, including improving competence levels, stronger processes for driving compliance and managing change control, together with greater clarity of roles and responsibilities of those procuring, designing and constructing buildings. Above all Dame Judith has called for effective leadership within the construction industry to create the cultural shift required for positive change.

Compliance Assured provides a framework for construction that developers, designers, contractors, sub-contractors and most importantly both building owners and occupiers can all be confident in. As well as providing a high level of technical support at design stage, we will enhance the competence of those installing our tested systems through mandatory, project specific training. We believe that this is a major step in addressing many of Dame Judith’s recommendations”.

A key element of Compliance Assured is that Kingspan will provide a prescriptive list of components for their BS8414 Tested Systems, working with a limited number of recommended suppliers. This supports a holistic system based approach, and can be mapped to the RIBA Plan of Work Stages to provide greater transparency and traceability.

The new business will encompass the BENCHMARK by Kingspan brand, combining its architectural rainscreen facade systems, including Dri-Design, with a full spectrum of different insulation cores. These range from traditional mineral fibre to advanced insulation products such as Kingspan’s innovative QuadCore Karrier System and proven Kooltherm K15 Rainscreen Board solution.

The full range of products and technical services from Kingspan Facades will be available in UK, Ireland and mainland Europe and can be explored at www.kingspanfacades.co.uk
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