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Nuaire sponsors 2024 BESA Clean Air Day event

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Caerphilly based UK ventilation solutions provider Nuaire is proud to be sponsoring the Building Engineering Services Association’s (BESA) Clean Air Day event on the 20th June at The Wave in Bristol.  The event, which is being hosted by the BESA Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Group, will be based on ‘Shaping the Future of Healthy Environments.’

 

As part of the sponsorship deal, Nuaire will have the opportunity to present its ventilation solutions and engage with like-minded delegates who share a commitment to clean air.  As well as senior Nuaire personnel in attendance, Nuaire will also be inviting key customers to the event, where they can gain valuable industry insight.  This will include a presentation from the BESA IAQ Specialist Group which is driving change and shaping the future of air quality initiatives, plus an update on the BESA Schools Engagement Project on Ventilation and Air Quality.

 

Commenting on the decision to sponsor this year’s BESA Clean Air Day event, Nuaire Managing Director Meirion Richards said: “As the UK’s largest air pollution campaign, Clean Air Day provides an opportunity to focus attention on this very serious subject.  It’s important people from all walks of life understand the health risks of air pollution, but it’s also important that, as industry professionals, we look at the solutions.  BESA has been at the forefront of championing the cause of cleaner, healthier air for all and we are pleased to be supporting them on Clean Air Day”.

 

This year’s Clean Air Day focus is on transport.  With cars and vans being the biggest source of NOx pollutants, Clean Air Day is asking everyone to take action to help make travelling in cleaner and greener ways.  But when it comes to air quality within our buildings – where we spend the majority of our time – external pollutants are only one part of the problem.  Pollutant sources within our indoor environments vary hugely, from cleaning products and cooking through to furniture and even the fabric our homes are made from.  Little research has been done into indoor air pollution, compared to external pollutants, but what we do know is that good ventilation can disperse and expel indoor pollutants, as well as help prevent damp and mould from forming.  Established in 1966, Nuaire has developed a comprehensive range of ventilation solutions for the domestic, commercial, and industrial construction sectors, providing occupants with clean, healthy air.

  CLICK HERE for more information on the NUAIRE WEBSITE

 

 

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KIDDE SAFETY EUROPE LAUNCHES NEW VERSATILE CO2 MONITOR

Leading manufacturer of safety alarms and equipment, Kidde Safety Europe has launched a new carbon dioxide (CO2) monitor to help people to understand and improve indoor air quality in homes, workplaces, schools and hospitality venues. The mains powered non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) monitor complies with the Scottish Building Standards requirements for the mandatory CO2 monitors that must be installed in all homes. Kidde is a part of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR), the leading global provider of healthy, safe, sustainable and intelligent building and cold chain solutions. 

 

Warning users of rising CO2 levels or abnormal humidity or temperature level changes, the new Kidde CO2 Monitor, which has a 10-year lifespan, provides the current CO2 levels from 400 to 5000 parts per million (PPM), as well as a seven day history of CO2 readings. It also shows the current temperature and humidity on the large, easy to read LCD display, which has automatic brightness adjustment to minimise night-time disturbance.

 

The monitor has been designed to provide clear warnings and indications in several different forms. Detailed air quality information is displayed on the LCD screen. As many people will not be familiar with the acceptable parts per million (PPM) for CO2, the Kidde CO2 monitor provides a ‘traffic light’ LED notification to allow easy identification of the current CO2 levels, even from a distance. Green represents 400 to 999 ppm – which signals good indoor air quality, Orange denotes readings of 1000 to 1499 ppm – indicating deteriorating indoor air conditions associated with poor air quality complaints, and Red displays for readings above 1500 ppm – the level associated with headaches, drowsiness and loss of concentration and where it is necessary to ventilate indoor space as a result. At this level, the monitor’s easily audible built-in alarm clearly alerts occupants to high CO2 levels. For clarity and convenience there is also an optional voice alert, which is available in six selectable languages.

 

The Kidde CO2 Monitor has been designed for easy set up and installation. It works straight out of the box with a built-in automatic 24 hour CO2 sensor calibration. The monitor is mains powered with a 12-hour rechargeable battery back-up and can be free-standing or wall mounted.

 

“From sick building syndrome to changes in building standards, to updated guidance for schools and workplaces, there has never been more of a focus on air quality, and in particular carbon dioxide,” said Simon Jones, Marketing Manager at Kidde Safety Europe. “CO2, which is often less commonly recognised as an issue compared with particulate matter pollution and carbon monoxide, can have a serious impact on health and wellbeing. Our new CO2 monitor has been designed to make it as simple as possible for people to be better informed about air quality in the spaces they occupy and allow improvements to be made.”

 

To find out more about Kidde’s range, please CLICK HERE

 

 

 

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Thinking big: Titon launches its most powerful MVHR unit

Titon has added the energy efficient HRV20 Q Plus to its range of MVHR products. The new model has been designed to offer increased airflows of up to 194 l/s (700m3/h), making it the most powerful MVHR unit Titon has ever produced.

The HRV20 Q Plus has been specifically designed to enhance SAP performance via Appendix Q, by combining extremely low power consumption and a heat exchanger capable of achieving efficiencies of 89%. As a result, units can easily be fitted as part of a ventilation system inside larger apartments or dwellings.

The HRV20 Q Plus is available in two models – the Eco HMB and the Eco B – each boasting a 100% airflow diverting Summer Bypass, as recognised in the UK Product Characteristics Database. Intelligent humidity options are also available. The Eco HMB is fitted with the new aura-tTM touch screen controller, which is integrated as part of the unit itself as standard. The Eco B Model is compatible with the Eco aura range of controls (auralite® status indicator, aura-tTM, auramode® and aurastat® controllers), or has the option of having an aura-tTM unit.

Other benefits of the new unit include an extremely low specific fan power (SFP) of 0.43 W/l/s, plus features such as a fully adjustable boost overrun timer, which can be used with a non-latching (momentary) switch to prevent the unit from accidentally being left in ‘boost’ mode. This is complemented by intelligent frost protection and independent fan adjustment. All models are volt free, with live switching control also on B models. The filters are ISO Coarse 65% (G4) supplied as standard, with the option of upgrading to the ISO Coarse 65% (F7) type.

Commenting on the new product, Lee Caulfield, Sales Director, Titon Vent Systems Division, said: “The new HRV20 Q Plus unit offers higher airflow rates than previously available, as requested by our customers’ requirements. Not only is this the highest capacity unit in our entire range, it also benefits from an array of control options, without compromising on energy efficiency, making it ideal for architects, contractors and mechanical engineers alike. The new HRV20 Q Plus reflects Titon’s commitment to development and understanding market needs, while showcasing our engineering expertise and capabilities.”

Available in the UK and Europe, the new HRV20 Q Plus is effective at reducing pollutants in the home and improving indoor air quality (IAQ), helping to combat the risk of Toxic Home Syndrome. All models accept 200mm diameter ducting and are supplied complete with a 3-year guarantee as standard.

For further information about Titon and its range of ventilation systems, please visit: www.titon.co.uk.
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London trialling indoor air pollution filtration systems in nurseries

The Mayor has launched a programme of air quality audits to help clean up toxic air and protect the health of young children at nurseries in some of the most polluted parts of London.

The audits will target sources of indoor and outdoor pollution, with five of the 20 nurseries trialling new air filtration systems to test their effectiveness at reducing indoor pollution. They will focus on reducing NO2, PM10 and PM 2.5 as research shows children exposed to these smaller pollution particles and gases are more likely to grow up with lung problems and to develop asthma.

The new scheme follows 50 successful audits the Mayor delivered to primary schools earlier this year, which have already led to some schools taking action to close roads, upgrade their boilers, tackle engine idling and promote car-sharing schemes.

A recent study by University College London and the University of Cambridge,funded by the Mayor, found that indoor air pollution was significantly higher inside classrooms, due to a range of factors including the age of buildings, ventilation, positioning of windows, and wall-to-wall carpeting.

The findings suggested that the protection offered by the building increased the further away it was from the busiest roads and that airtight buildings may offer greater protection against pollution. The report also found that, in most classrooms, annual exposure to small particles was higher than recommended World Health Organization guidelines, and that this was caused by a combination of indoor and outdoor sources.

The impact of outdoor air pollution on indoor air quality underlines the importance of the hard-hitting measures Sadiq is already taking to tackle London’s toxic air, including introducing the 24-hour Ultra Low Emission Zone in Central London and cleaning up the bus fleet.

The audits will also review a range of methods to reduce pollution outside nurseries,including restricting road access outside entrances at drop off and collection times, moving playgrounds away from congested roads, installing green ‘pollution barrier’ hedges, tackling engine idling and promoting cycling and walking.

The £250,000 programme is funded as part of the Mayor’s Air Quality Fund and audits will be conducted by global engineering consultancy WSP, who will spend the next few weeks in the nurseries, assessing indoor and outdoor air pollution sources, looking at how children travel to the nurseries, and reviewing local walking routes including traffic crossings. These will be the first City Hall trials of indoor filtration, beginning in spring 2019, with results expected later in the year, alongside a toolkit that can be given to all non-participating nurseries so they can conduct their own audits.

Built into the programme is a ring-fenced starter grant of £4,500 for the 20 nurseries to help kick-start recommendations on completion of the audits.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said “It remains a shameful fact that London’s toxic air health crisis is harming the lung growth and respiratory health of our young children, and City Hall is determined to everything in our power to protect them. These nursery audits focus on indoor pollution as well as outdoor sources, and will help us understand ways we can stop toxic air from our congested roads raising pollution limits inside nurseries.

“The 50 school audits we delivered are already resulting in positive changes that are helping reduce pollution and clean the air for thousands of pupils. We will continue to prioritise the health of all Londoners with a range of strong measures including the introduction next April of the 24-hour Central London Ultra Low Emission Zone, cleaning up our bus fleet and working with boroughs on local interventions.

“Now it is high time the Government stepped up and matched my ambition by delivering a new Clean Air and Environment Act and introducing the scrappage scheme we need to remove the dirtiest vehicles off our streets once and for all.”

Dr Simon Lenton, representative of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health added “The adverse impact on health of air pollution is now well established in adults. Infants and children are more vulnerable as their lungs and brains are still developing. Children and infants spend many hours in nursery or at school and it is imperative we know what air pollutants they are exposed to and then take action to ensure the air they breathe is as pure as possible. This is particularly important in proximity to high traffic density and close to industrial areas.”

Louise Beanland, Governor of Melcombe Primary School who received an audit, concluded “I welcome the commitment that the Mayor is showing to doing everything he can to improve the health and wellbeing of our children. The announcement of the 20 nurseries selected to receive an air quality audit and, other interventions, is yet another sign of such a commitment’.

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Fusing the options

Ventilation design and specification for multi-occupancy buildings is now as simple as A,B,C through an innovative approach pioneered by Gilberts.

Britain’s leading air movement specialist is the first to develop a stock, single-unit hybrid solution focussed on natural ventilation with heat recovery- its Mistrale Fusion System (MFS). The company’s pioneering approach has continued, with the evolution of the system that now enables simple addition of extra elements.

Thus, the core MFS is manufactured as a standard product, with ‘add-on’ items to meet the varying specifications of each project. Elements such as heating coils, filters, silencers, duct connection outlets and louvre transformation, plus a range of air volumes for warm up or purge ventilation, to supplement the standard airflow rates, ensure the MFS brings a comprehensive hybrid solution to the extensive, variable building demands for ventilation.

“Using this modular approach makes it as simple as possible for the precise needs of each room to be met, in line with the latest F.O.S and BB101 requirements,” explains Gilberts’ Technical Director Roy Jones. “It means the MFS is retained as a standard, individual module to which bespoke parts are added in compliance with the architectural requirements, simplifying and accelerating the whole building services design, supply and installation process.

Further, because Gilberts undertakes all R&D in-house, it can still efficiently tailor-engineer the MFS to create a bespoke answer to individual project demands. Thus, all involved in the construction supply process benefit from a commercially viable single source strategy.

The approach has been exemplified in delivery of a number of schools- new build and refurbishment. Gilberts’ MFS enabled the precise requirements of each classroom to be accommodated- level of occupation, room orientation, site geography- even in those learning spaces with complex needs such as IT suites, science laboratories and SEN special needs classrooms.

It also meant project-specific design constraints could be overcome- for example one façade included a 6° deviation from the vertical, so Gilberts engineered a bespoke duct transition piece and special louvre system to ensure an airtight fit. In another, there was no suitable external façade, so Gilberts engineered a vertical solution to provide intake and extraction through the roof.

“The flexibility of the product are limited only by the building designer’s imagination!” adds Roy Jones. “The standard permutations cover almost every core requirement; our ability to develop, engineer and test bespoke strategies means that an issue which may normally be a deal-breaker can be addressed and turned into a deal-maker: a true one stop shop solution with the benefits of modular design.”

MFS is just part of Gilberts’ diverse range of ventilation systems, grilles, louvres and diffusers which, coupled with its in-house expertise, have established it as the leading independent supplier of air movement solutions in the UK.Family-owned, Gilberts has a 55 year pedigree in developing and manufacturing innovative air movement solutions. It is unique in its sector in its ability to design, engineer and supply its products with all processes undertaken in-house at its 85,000ft2 head office and manufacturing facility in Blackpool.

For more information please visit www.gilbertsblackpool.com.
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Vortice ventilation fans ensure good air quality for Grange First School

As Grange First School in Gosforth embarked upon a school extension project, ensuring good ventilation and air quality was an important element both for the comfort of the teachers and children and for their learning. The new classrooms for Early Years have now opened and the Vortice heat recovery systems installed have proved a great success.

Roy Brown, Area Sales Trade Manager for Vortice said “After considerable research, Newcastle City Council specified the Vort NRG 1500 ECR EH Diva heat recovery units for each of the new classrooms. These units are complete with CO2 demand control to ensure the correct amount of fresh air is delivered into the classroom dependent upon its requirement and occupancy levels. Stale extracted air is passed over a heat exchanger so that warmth is recovered and goes into the incoming fresh air, enabling good energy efficiency. “

The NRG units are all floor mounted as they are situated within resources store cupboards in the classroom, which have skylights to allow in natural daylight. This also means that the units are easily accessible to enable filter changes.

Roy Brown continues: “When you have around 32 occupants in a classroom all day, it is important for their health and wellbeing that the air is fresh. The Vort NRG range is ideally suited for schools and offices and with several configurations available there is sure to be one that suits your project.”

For more information about Vortice visit www.vortice.ltd.uk.
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Breathing easier with smart technology

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The revolution in indoor climate control and security spearheaded by smart technologies is the subject of a UK Construction Week seminar being given by GEZE UK’s head of window technology.
Spencer Allen for will share the spotlight with the likes of architect and television presenter George Clarke and representatives of the BRE, Carbon Trust and Sunday Times, during the showcase event, staged at the NEC Birmingham, 10 – 12 October.

He will explore the concept of smart natural air ventilation, how it works, outline its benefits and examine the findings of recent studies on its effects on workplace productivity and reducing ‘sick building syndrome’.

The session, which takes place at 2.30pm within the Smart Buildings Hub, on 10 October, will look at how smart solutions are used in life-saving buildings such as hospitals and how they can be used to save lives in the event of fire by allowing safe and smoke free escape.

It will also address security – eliminating ‘windows left open’ and the benefits of safe and secure night ventilation on buildings for optimum ‘next working day’ environments.
Said Spencer, GEZE UK’s National Sales Manager for Window Technology: “We spend 90% of our time indoors, so it’s not surprising that improving air quality inside buildings is in all our interests.

“With climate change resulting in ever-increasing temperatures and more frequent heatwaves within the UK, it is time that we looked at efficient ways of improving building ventilation which will require less energy usage.”

Event attendance is free. For further information click here.

For more information about GEZE UK’s comprehensive range of products and system solutions call 01543 443000 or visit www.geze.co.uk.
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Vortice wins new contract to supply ventilation to William Davis

Ventilation systems supplier Vortice has been awarded the contract to supply intermittent ventilation fans to Midlands-based housebuilder William Davis.

The first site to be completed is Mill Fields, set in the Leicestershire village of Broughton Astley. This select development of 2 to 5 bedroom homes offers stunning views of open countryside and the houses are all well specified. William Davis is a family owned company which has been building homes for more than 80 years and it is known for its high quality craftsmanship and use of the highest quality products.

Vortice Specification Manager for the North, Ken Johnson, said “After discussions with William Davis it was clear that the quality of the products specified was of the utmost importance. The fans chosen are stylish and discreet, making them the ideal choice for bathrooms, utility rooms and kitchens. We are delighted William Davis has chosen Vortice products for these beautiful homes.”

For more information about Vortice fans visit www.vortice.ltd.uk.
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Independent tests cast doubt on claimed performance of some trickle vents

Concerned that Greenwood Airvac’s claims for the Equivalent Area (EA) and acoustic performance of some of its ventilation products may be inaccurate, Titon decided to submit Greenwood’s 5000EA ventilator and canopy (as well as Greenwood’s 5000EAW.AC2 and 2500AW.AC2 acoustic variants) and Titon’s own Trimvent Select, SF Xtra and SFX Sound Attenuator trickle vents for independent testing. These tests revealed a significant difference between performance data declared by Greenwood and the actual figures achieved during independent testing.

The independent EA testing, which measures airflow through the product, was conducted by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) and the acoustic testing by SRL Technical Services Ltd. The EA tests were carried out in accordance with UK Approved Document F (ADF) 2010 and the Scottish Technical Handbook 3.14.6 using the recognised test method to BS:EN 13141-1 clause 4. The independent testing substantiated the claimed performance data of the Titon Trimvent Select, SF Xtra and SFX Sound Attenuator trickle vents.

Greenwood’s 5000EA vent, known as Pyramid, and canopy is marketed in the UK as delivering 5000mm2 EA, yet the independent tests revealed the actual figure to be just over 4000mm2 EA. Similarly, the acoustic variant, 5000EAW.AC2, known as Pyracoust, only achieved 3634m2 EA. In addition, when these Greenwood products were tested for sound attenuation, the results show less attenuation than generally claimed.

No other products within the Greenwood portfolio were tested, as Titon’s research had only deemed that the products mentioned required further investigation.

Commenting on the testing, Tyson Anderson, Sales & Marketing Director at Titon said: “Titon prides itself on the accuracy of its stated products performance and test results and believes that the market benefits from factually accurate data derived from recognised test procedures. This data will help manufacturers and specifiers ensure compliance with Building Regulations and that the provision for ventilation in a dwelling is correct for its occupants’ health and wellbeing. All our test reports are available for reference and can be explained if required.”

For more information about Titon, please visit: www.titon.co.uk.
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Titon Sonairs bring the sound of silence to Kingstone Grange

575 Sonair acoustic (sound attenuating) filtered air supply units from Titon have been installed across an array of properties at Kingstone Grange in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. Previously the site of Kingstone School, the new development consists of 115 three and four-bedroom townhouses, semi-detached and detached homes. The Titon products were fitted by Doncaster-based contractors South Electrical, adhering to the specification provided by Taylor Wimpey.

Richard South, Managing Director at South Electrical, said: “Titon’s Sonair is compact and easy to install, while it adheres to necessary building and sound attenuation requirements. The units have been designed to let air into a property for ventilation while shielding occupants from unwanted outside noise. This means no unwanted noise from the road outside can be heard inside the houses.”

Commenting on how the products came to be specified, Mark Lyon, Senior Commercial Manager at Taylor Wimpey, added: “We have fitted Titon ventilation units on other developments previously, with no issues. For the Kingstone project, we opted for the Sonair products as they met all the requirements outlined in the noise impact assessment, which took into account the level of traffic noise, as well as ambient sound from other nearby sources. The mechanical input ventilators also ensure the properties comply with the indoor ambient noise levels as recommended in BS 8233 (Residential).”

Sonair is a low energy, wall-mounted input fan featuring touch control with an LCD display. It has been designed for use in buildings where noise or air pollution presents a problem. The units are mechanical input ventilators that can also provide background ventilation as an alternative to trickle vents. Independently tested by the BRE, Sonair offers exceptional sound attenuation up to 56dB, while units are effective in reducing pollutants in the home and improving Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), reducing the risk of Toxic Home Syndrome.

 

All Sonair acoustic ventilation units come with a G3 filter as standard, which captures 50‐70% of particles larger than 10μm under normal dust load conditions. If dust loads are moderate to high, the optional F6 filter captures 99% of all dust particles including pollen, spores, cement dust and excreta of the house dust mite – making it ideal for occupants with allergies or asthma.

Kingstone Grange is located in the heart of Yorkshire, just a few minutes from the centre of Barnsley. The development has been designed with a mix of properties from two to four bedrooms to suit all needs.

For more information about Titon, please visit: www.titon.co.uk.
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