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Trade body urges Government to focus on retrofit in 2024

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The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) is calling on the Government to help accelerate growth in the number of whole building retrofit projects carried out during 2024.

The Association believes only “a holistic approach to building performance” will unlock the full potential of the building services industry to cut carbon emissions, improve energy security, and reduce consumers’ bills.

BESA welcomed the allocation of an extra £1.5 billion to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), as part of a wider £6 billion push to improve building energy efficiency but said the Future Homes and Buildings Standards, due to come into force next year, should be more focused on whole building solutions.

The Association also sought to downplay the potential of hydrogen for heating buildings saying it only had “limited feasibility” due to a range of financial and technical difficulties.

BESA Technical Director Graeme Fox said: “There is a danger that hydrogen becomes a damaging distraction because of vested interests trying to keep it in the decarbonisation picture, but it will only play a very minor role in buildings long-term.

“It certainly could play some part in industrial and transport sectors, but not home heating – the infrastructure issues are too complex and the costs too high,” he added. “We need to keep focused on full building retrofits that make best use of energy efficient design and existing low carbon heating and cooling solutions.”

A total of £1.545 billion was added to the BUS fund to run from 2025-2028, but BESA said this could be bolstered with some additional funding for 2024 to keep up the momentum in the heat pump market. Over 4,000 contractors are now certified to install heat pumps and manufacturers’ efforts to improve the effectiveness of the technology are bearing fruit with more high temperature models coming onto the market, the Association added.

The government is also consulting until 6 March on proposals for the upcoming Future Homes and Buildings Standards, which would, in effect, outlaw the use of gas boilers in new homes from 2025 onwards. It is also inviting feedback on proposed changes to the Building Regulations and calculation methods.

Fox continued: “The government consultation pretty much rules out hydrogen-ready boilers too, but there are a number of exciting developments with heat pumps, including new high temperature models that could unlock further potential in that market.

“The new funding and standards are a great opportunity to cement whole building retrofit as the way forward. The debate needs to move beyond individual technologies to the holistic approaches that make the best of the practical solutions we already have.”

BESA also believes that ESG (environmental, social and governance) reporting will have an impact on building energy efficiency this year as clients come under pressure to be fully transparent about their net zero strategies to bolster their corporate reputations.

In addition, all newly leased commercial buildings will need to achieve EPC ratings of C or higher from 2025 – with existing leases required to meet the same target by 2028 – and the Association said this could unlock greater investment this year as landlords seek to meet the deadlines.

Fox said: “2024 could be a big year for accelerating whole building retrofits to drive better energy performance, and the consultation is another opportunity for the government to send positive and supportive signals to the market.

“Let’s turn the Boiler Upgrade Scheme into the Building Upgrade Scheme.”

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HVAC specialist announces £10k apprenticeship investment

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The owners of HVAC specialist Campbell West have gone back to the future to strengthen the company’s workforce and air-conditioning offer.

Steven Campbell and Daniel West left school to become apprentice plumbers and now they have shown their continued faith in the training system with a £10,000 investment in two members of their team.

In a move that underlines Campbell West’s commitment to the development of their personnel, two members of the Berkshire-based firm have passed a 15-day course “with flying colours” to qualify as certified F-Gas engineers.

And Frank Smith and Tommy Gill have been praised by the company owners after bolstering their skillset by completing a new starter refrigeration course at Ellis Training in Hertfordshire.

West said: “At Campbell West, we are  committed to ensuring we offer customers the highest possible standards which is why we invest in our people, so they’re equipped with the very latest skills and expertise.

“Steven and I are both products of the apprenticeship system which we still see as key to maintaining the company’s growth.

“So we’re delighted Frank and Tommy did Campbell West proud by passing this challenge with flying colours and we know they will enhance our air-conditioning service.”

The Refrigeration, Air Conditioning & Heat Pump Systems City & Guilds course mainly involves practical sessions, learning to use tools and equipment and installing systems.

As part of their continuous development, they will hone their new skills  by carrying out some of the smaller air conditioning installations Campbell West has on its order book.

Smith said: “It’s great to know we work with a company that goes above and beyond to invest in its staff so we’re equipped with the technical expertise that will help us long-term.”

Gill added: “We relished the challenge of learning new skills and we’re both looking forward to putting them into practice for our customers.”

Their double success follows a prestigious triple seal of approval for Campbell West as it strives to enhance quality, environmental and health and safety performance.

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Apleona acquires German ventilation and air conditioning specialist

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Apleona, a leading European integrated FM company based in Neu-Isenburg near Frankfurt (Main), has acquired Air for All, based in Gerlingen near Stuttgart.

The acquisition will strengthen Apleona’s Building Technology division – Apleona Wolfferts, and significantly expands its range of technical systems and its presence in the southwest region of Germany.

Air for All is a well-known provider of installation and maintenance services for ventilation, air conditioning and smoke extraction systems and possesses specific expertise in the area of cleanrooms and laboratories. Its business activities are focused on customers in the industry, automotive and healthcare sectors. The company’s 60-strong workforce mainly comprises technicians and specialists for ventilation and air conditioning technology.

Horst Kever, CEO of Apleona Wolfferts, said of the acquisition: “Air for All is an established regional provider of ventilation and air conditioning technology in South-West Germany with an excellent reputation, an impressive customer base and highly qualified employees. Its team will optimally complement Apleona Wolfferts’ existing portfolio in the South-West and has the potential to make an important contribution to our growth in the region. With an eye to the future, I am also delighted that we will be able to serve our customers in other regions with innovative concepts and integrated solutions for cleanrooms and laboratories thanks to Air for All’s specialism in this area.”

Air for All’s existing management team comprising of Manfred Ahrens, Steffen Eiting, Günter Kapfer, Stephan Kolland, Jürgen Walther) will continue to run the company.

They commented: “We have known Apleona Wolfferts for a number of years and appreciate its expertise as a proven building technology specialist. Apleona Wolfferts is the ideal platform for the continued development and growth of our company. It will provide the foundations for a successful future for our employees and the many customers we have in common.”

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HVAC maintenance contract win for Artic

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Artic Building Services has won a HVAC maintenance contract with global architecture and design firm, Hawkins\Brown, at its London site, located in the heart of Clerkenwell’s design district.

Hawkins\Brown stands as a distinguished leader in architecture, urban planning, and interior design. With offices spanning the UK and America, the firm has a significant presence in London.

Under the contract remit, Artic will oversees the HVAC, MEP, AHU and compliance services. The Artic team, including a skilled Artic engineer conducting weekly planned preventive maintenance (PPM) tasks, will ensure the continuous optimal functionality of the building.

Artic says its tailored Hard FM services aim to “enhance efficiency and sustainability discreetly”. Hawkins/Brown will furthermore have access to its CAFM system which will “ensure transparency and efficient communication” throughout the partnership.

 

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New guide on differing carbon monoxide detector requirements across the UK is published

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Following several regulatory changes across the different countries in the UK, the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC) and the Council of Gas Detection and Environmental Monitoring (CoGDEM) have launched a guide on carbon monoxide (CO) detector requirements across the UK.

As variation in CO legalisation across the England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland potentially opens the door to confusion among engineers, the guide has been launched to provide the best practice for each region.

Property owners, including private and social landlords, must ensure that CO detectors are present in each property, in the appropriate locations and in accordance with legislation and related guidance. As a result, the role of heating engineers in maintaining CO safety throughout the industry is only growing in importance.

To help prevent further confusion around a number of potential issues, the guide highlights the differing requirements including the number of CO detectors required in a property, the batteries that must be used and the position that detectors must be installed.

Kevin Lowe, Technical Manager of the HHIC, said: “Following the changes to CO legislation made throughout the UK in the past year, it’s crucial that heating engineers are aware of the different obligations across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. It’s just as important that this information is easily accessible, which is why we have released a quick guide to help engineers, landlords and property owners easily understand the regulations they must adhere to.”

The guide also features the standards placed upon social and private landlords that differ across the UK’s nations. This includes the level of responsibility placed upon landlords for the repair and replacement of CO detectors, in addition to the need to provide detectors and information regarding use and testing to their tenants.

Andy Curtis, Director of CoGDEM, said: “While every social and private landlord must make sure that CO detectors are installed and operating correctly at each of their properties, there may still be confusion around the extent of their responsibility of repairing, replacing and testing detectors. Our guide has been created to put this uncertainty to rest and ensure safety in properties across the UK.”

Eptura 2023 Workplace Index 

Over the past year, Eptura has used proprietary data and commissioned research to explore how business leaders can balance opposing demands.

In this final summary report on the state of the workplace in 2023, the global worktech leader looks at the key insights that will shape the world of work in 2024 and beyond.

For the Q4 edition of the 2023 Workplace Index, Eptura updated its proprietary data across four demands:

  • Freedom and Connection
  • Value creation and Cost Control
  • Flexibility and Certainty
  • CO2 Targets and Costs

To download the report click here.

The post New guide on differing carbon monoxide detector requirements across the UK is published appeared first on FMJ.

SSE to cut carbon emissions by 90% across London school trust

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Business energy supplier, SSE Energy Solutions, has embarked on an ambitious project to reduce carbon emissions by 90 per cent across 11 Harris Federation academies in South East England.

Funded through the UK Government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS), the £14.3 million project will overhaul heating systems, building controls, and electrical infrastructure across buildings in South London and Kent.

The initiative is forecast to reduce Harris Federation’s collective emissions by over 38,000 tonnes of CO2 – the equivalent of planting 1.73 million trees.

Upgrades will include replacing gas boilers with energy-efficient air source heat pumps, installing advanced building energy management systems, and upgrading ageing electrical infrastructure. Renewable energy technologies will also be incorporated where feasible.

In addition to the environmental benefits, the project is expected to significantly reduce energy costs for the academies over its 20-year course.

From initial project development and design through long-term monitoring and verification, SSE will leverage its experience across energy project planning, engineering design, project management, building controls and renewable technology integration.

Grant Widlake, Business Director at SSE Energy Solutions’ Smart Buildings, said: “This project with Harris Federation exemplifies our approach to decarbonising buildings – overlaying effective building controls with other solutions like air source heat pumps, solar PV, and battery storage to create substantial emissions reductions.

“Our team are experts in conceptualising and delivering low-carbon retrofits across the public and private sectors and want to help many other organisations like the Harris Federation benefit from the opportunities of a low-carbon building estate.”

Tom Webster, Director of Estates and Commercial at the Harris Federation, commented: “The grant we have received from the Public Sector Decarbonisation scheme is a win-win, enabling us to make significant savings over time and thus plough more of our money directly into children’s education, whilst also playing our part in delivering a net zero future.”

Eptura 2023 Workplace Index 

Over the past year, Eptura has used proprietary data and commissioned research to explore how business leaders can balance opposing demands.

In this final summary report on the state of the workplace in 2023, the global worktech leader looks at the key insights that will shape the world of work in 2024 and beyond.

For the Q4 edition of the 2023 Workplace Index, Eptura updated its proprietary data across four demands:

  • Freedom and Connection
  • Value creation and Cost Control
  • Flexibility and Certainty
  • CO2 Targets and Costs

To download the report click here.

The post SSE to cut carbon emissions by 90% across London school trust appeared first on FMJ.

A leading UK training provider and heat transfer expert tackle steam boiler operator skills gap

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Estates and facilities in a variety of industries are relying heavily on steam boilers for heat and energy transfer.

However, developing the skills and competence required to work safely on these systems can be challenging for prospective Boiler Operators.

For this reason, a partnership has been established between PPL Training and Fulton Uk, with the goal of tackling Boiler Operator skills gaps.

Forming A Partnership

Having met for the first time in 2017 at IHEEM’s conference events, 2024 is the year that will officially see PPL Training and Fulton join forces to deliver Steam Boiler Operator training.

Fulton National Consultant Specialist, Leigh Bryan spoke of the wider benefits of the training courses designed by the boiler manufacturer:

“Competency and safety are key focuses of the courses for sure. To us though, it’s more than just that. We outline the operator’s procedures that can improve boiler efficiency and reliability while offering appropriate record keeping guidance in-line with HSE’s INDG436. We’re excited to partner with PPL to bring our courses to a wider audience…” 

Meanwhile PPL Training Sales Director, Jonathan Eland added:

“Fulton is a trusted manufacturer of steam boilers and offers some great aftercare services which include training. We’re thrilled to add steam boilers to our growing list of areas covered within healthcare estates and facilities as a result of this partnership, where we will deliver training on-site at any hospital in the UK, ensuring it is specific to their own steam boiler installation.”

The New Training Courses

PPL and Fulton bring over 30 years of experience of training delivery to this particular practice.

PPL Training are now actively accepting bookings for the new on-site training courses. 

Steam Boiler Operator – Foundation (SB1)

Steam Boiler Operator – Safe Working Practices (SB2) 

This pair of courses will cover best practices for Compliance with BG01 Edition 2, INDG436 and other statutory regulations / relevant guidance documents among other key learning areas:

  • Safe operation of steam boilers
  • Improving boiler efficiency
  • Potential issues with steam boilers
  • Planned preventative maintenance (PPM) for steam boilers
  • Reducing repair costs and boiler downtime
  • Boiler operational records
  • Fuel consumption records

And more…

PPL and Fulton recommend that both 1 day courses are undertaken consecutively, with the first day providing more theory, with plenty of practical demonstrations and exercises. Whilst the 2nd day will be a workshop session, tailored toward the client’s own steam plant and provides dedicated hands-on practical tuition for the delegates in attendance.

Listings for Steam Boiler Operator – Foundation (SB1) and Steam Boiler Operator – Safe Working Practices (SB2) have been added to PPL Training’s website and can be booked directly with dedicated FM Account Managers, Daniel Rodgers and Amanda Scott.

Call: 0333 121 1215

Email: fmj@ppltraining.co.uk

Visit: https://go.ppltraining.co.uk/boiler-operator 



The post A leading UK training provider and heat transfer expert tackle steam boiler operator skills gap appeared first on FMJ.

Breathing life into indoor spaces

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Matthew Maleki, High Rise Residential and Hospitality Business Development Manager, CIAT, reviews the findings of the latest Defra report on IAQ and explains how recent developments in ventilation and air conditioning can help improve the indoor environment to support wellbeing and productivity

We think of our workplaces and homes as safe spaces, but most people have little idea of the significant impact indoor air pollutants can have on occupant mental and physical health.

The effects of poor indoor air quality (IAQ) are typically overshadowed by the effects of outdoor air pollution, even though we spend 80-90 per cent of our time indoors.(i) In fact, 3.2 million people die prematurely due to indoor air pollution each year, according to the World Health Organization.(ii)

The most recent report from the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) underscores that IAQ is not only a matter of comfort, but a crucial determinant of our health and productivity.(i)

The workplace sets limits on occupational exposure to a range of airborne chemicals. These limits assume time spent in these settings is limited and that those exposed are healthy adults.

Defra’s report reveals the ‘exceptional heterogeneity’ of chemicals found indoors, with far greater range of concentrations than encountered in typical ambient outdoor air in the UK.

SOURCES OF INDOOR POLLUTION

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), used to manufacture building products, can be a significant source of indoor air pollution in commercial buildings. Buildings or renovations can give off high concentrations, as well as paints and solvents, adhesives, wallpaper, carpeting and vinyl flooring, disinfectants, furniture and electronic devices such as copiers, printers and printer ink.

Carbon monoxide from cooking, mould and bacteria can also affect the quality of the air we breathe indoors, as can particulate matter (PM). These particles can be made up of hundreds of different chemicals, emitted directly from a source such as a fire, or because of complex reactions of chemicals in the air.

Defra’s report revealed that peak indoor reported concentrations of PM2.5 can often be higher than those experienced outdoors; while indoor concentrations of biological aerosols, carbon monoxide, and many VOCs are often significantly higher than outside. People can also be a source of emissions through carbon dioxide (CO2) and biological aerosols such as viruses.

THE ROLE OF HEALTHY BUILDINGS

Health charity Asthma + Lung UK has linked poor IAQ to increased incidences of asthma, lung cancer and increased risk of heart attack and strokes.(iii) Conversely, research has found that healthy buildings with enhanced ventilation can improve the cognitive function and health of occupants.

COGfx Study 3: Global Buildings, a recent study led by researchers from Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and supported by Carrier, examined the impact of IAQ and cognitive function.(iv) Lab tests revealed that cognitive function scores were 61 per cent higher in green buildings with low VOCs compared to conventional buildings – and 101 per cent higher in green buildings with low VOCs and enhanced ventilation.

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Kooltherm Pipe Insulation on target at Wembley Park

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The E01, E02 development at Quintain’s 85-acre Wembley Park, named Madison, reached completion in 2020. The mixed-use scheme includes 633 apartments all connected to a district heating network with secondary pipework insulated using Kingspan Kooltherm Pipe Insulation.

Work on E01 and E02 Wembley Park was overseen by Wates Construction. The 633 homes at Madison, neighbour the national stadium and a new three-acre park with neighbouring facilities across Wembley Park including a range of retail, residential, office, community, and leisure facilities.

The M&E specification has been overseen by LJJ Ltd in collaboration with consultants HDR. As part of Quintain’s long-term plan to decarbonise the large district heating network at Wembley Park, it was essential that the building services specification helped to limit energy demand for the new blocks. To help achieve this, Thermal Coverings installed Kooltherm Pipe Insulation on secondary LTHW pipework across the development.

With a thermal conductivity as low as 0.025 W/mK, Kooltherm Pipe Insulation offers one of the thinnest and most thermally efficient commonly available solutions for insulating pipework, supporting a simple installation by Thermal Coverings. This excellent performance can allow specifiers and contractors to limit heat losses when insulating secondary pipework to the minimum insulation thicknesses in table 8 of Objective 3.9 of CIBSE CP1 Heat Networks Code of Practice or to easily meet the new enhanced targets within BS 5422:2023.

In addition to helping the project team to achieve excellent system efficiency, Kooltherm Pipe Insulation will also help to limit heat gains from the secondary pipework within the building. This should help to reduce the risk of summer overheating within the buildings, a key concern within the Greater London region. Kooltherm Pipe Insulation has also been awarded Eurofins Indoor Air Comfort Gold certification, recognising it has best-in-class low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, supporting improved air quality within the completed blocks to safeguard the health and wellbeing of building occupants.

The new Kooltherm Pipe Insulation Carbon Calculator Tool is designed to help understand the impact of pipe insulation on operating costs and carbon emissions. For an indication on heat loss, capital costs and the cost of lost heat for your project, the Kingspan Technical Insulation technical team can be contacted by emailing hvactechnical@kingspaninsulation.co.uk.

(Pipeline Technical Advisory Service: 0808 168 7363)

For more information visit www.kingspantechnicalinsulation.co.uk or call 01457 890 400.

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To have your industry news published in the pages of FMJ’s news section, Month in FM, and here online on fmj.co.uk, please send your news and image to Danny Grange danny.grange@kpmmedia.co.uk

The view or information contained within these unedited press releases, are that of the company producing it and not necessary the views of kpm.

The post Kooltherm Pipe Insulation on target at Wembley Park appeared first on FMJ.

Get a sporting edge with Condair

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Condair RS steam humidifiers are creating the precise humidity needed in Sporting Edge’s sophisticated environmental training and research chambers. Sporting Edge are a global leader in altitude and environmental facilities, that recreate climates from around the world for sports performance training, research and rehabilitation.

Sporting Edge’s clients include Premier League football clubs, universities, Olympic associations and even high-end residential homes. Its environmental chambers accurately and consistently create conditions from -30 to +50°C, 20 to 95%RH and altitudes up to 9,000m. The company is based in the UK but carries out installations around the world, including Scandinavia, Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

Dave Vincent, Managing Director of Sporting Edge UK Ltd, comments: “Altitude training is now universally recognised as a crucial tool for maximising the fitness of elite athletes in the quest for performance gains. Sporting Edge produce the most advanced environmental chambers in the world and its vital all parts of our system offer consistent reliability and performance. This is why we have standardised our humidity control using the Condair RS steam humidifier. It provides us with a dependable, controllable product that will happily work with standard mains water. We also love the self de-scaling feature.”

A recent installation, which incorporated a Condair RS humidifier, was at Newcastle United Football Club. A training chamber was installed that allows the club to recreate any temperature and humidity condition the players will meet at UK and European competitions, allowing the players to refine their preparation for key matches. Alongside advanced training facilities, Sporting Edge also create high altitude environments for bedrooms. Resting and sleeping in a high-altitude condition can provide positive effects for asthma and diabetes sufferers, as well as improved weight loss and cardio performance.

The Condair RS resistive steam humidifier used by Sporting Edge in their installations can control humidity to ±1%RH when used with RO water and ±2%RH when used with mains. Its patented scale collector system enables limescale to be routinely emptied, thus extending the intervals between service visits. A single unit can provide from 5 to 80kg of steam per hour to a duct via a steam lance and models with fan units can provide up to 40kg of humidity directly to a room’s atmosphere.

The Condair Group is the world’s leading specialist in humidity control and evaporative cooling, with energy efficient, hygienic and innovative technologies for commercial, industrial and heritage applications. Condair is represented in the UK by Condair Limited, which offers system design, manufacture, supply, installation, commissioning, maintenance and spares. You can find out more by visiting the company’s website at www.condair.co.uk, email uk.sales@condair.com or call 01903 850 200.

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To have your industry news published in the pages of FMJ’s news section, Month in FM, and here online on fmj.co.uk, please send your news and image to Danny Grange danny.grange@kpmmedia.co.uk

The view or information contained within these unedited press releases, are that of the company producing it and not necessary the views of kpm.

The post Get a sporting edge with Condair appeared first on FMJ.





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