Traditional insulation works by slowing down convection and conduction. However, radiant heat loss is a major factor in a buildings’ thermal efficiency accounting for up to 80% of heat lost through walls. The more radiant energy is reflected the less heat is transferred – our foil membranes reflect more than 96% of radiated heat.

Eco-Brite and Thermo-Foil ES both hold BBA Certification and Fire Certification to BS476 Part 6 and 7. Our tough yet flexible foil can be installed in roofs, walls and floors and effectively blocks over 96% of radiant energy, sealing the building and providing a more controllable and comfortable interior temperature. Every roll can save over 1400kg of CO2 emissions every year reducing a building’s energy requirement and help cutting its carbon footprint.

Our foils can be used in a range of structures from timber frame homes to modular buildings. Conveniently installed, the associated air space that is created in front or behind the membrane can also be used to run electrical or other services. The product is used in conjunction with our heat reflecting adhesive tape which seals the edges of adjoining sheets and adjacent structures ensuring an air-tight envelope that will pass mandatory pressure testing.

With low moisture transmission rates, Eco-Brite and Thermo-Foil ES also acts as excellent vapour barrier, halting moisture migration into the fibre insulation layers. The systems ensure the insulation keeps dry and maintain its performance.

Solutions for Ductwork
Insulating ductwork to help conserve energy has long been an important aspect of energy-efficient-building services design. Our ducting products, EncaSeal and EncaClad with their highly reflective aluminium surface, will seal existing insulation; ensuring air leakage is kept to a minimum.

Both products will block at least 96% of infrared energy that would otherwise be absorbed by the soft insulation. The extremely strong adhesive on the other side insures that once fitted it will stiffen the whole structure, ensuring existing and replaced foam or quilt insulation is sealed, kept dry and its performance maintained. There is no need to fit retaining wire-mesh around the duct work or have any other protection for the insulation. All our products have a low moisture transmission rate providing an excellent vapour and dust barrier.

The EnviroSolutions™ roller cleaner transforms paint-stained roller sleeves in just 30 seconds and using only eight litres of water, it is much more eco-friendly than traditional cleaning methods, which can use up to 40 litres.

Tough and durable, the reusable, single piece plastic cleaning unit attaches to any garden hose, and quickly and efficiently restores roller sleeves back to their original condition, with zero mess.

Simple to use, painters and decorators just scrape off excess paint with the curved lip, insert the paint roller into the plastic sleeve and connect a hosepipe which clicks into place. The roller cleaner is then held over an empty bucket and the water supply is turned on and left until the water runs clean.

Beverley Whitehead, marketing and communications manager at Dulux Decorator Centres, said: “Cleaning and removing paint from a roller can be a painstakingly messy task and improper cleaning methods may actually shorten the life of a good quality roller – the roller cleaner eliminates both these problems.

“It’s hard to believe that such a simple device can not only produce such exceptional results in seconds, but can ultimately impact your bottom line because painting jobs and tidying up after are completed much quicker.”

The EnviroSolutions™ roller cleaner retails at £14.99 and is available in store now, which delivers products and processes with reduced environmental impact.

For further information visit www.duluxdecoratorcentre.co.uk or for regular updates join the Facebook group - Dulux Decorator Centres or follow on Twitter @DuluxDecCentre.

Support from the European Union’s long-term lending institution will support re-development of the main university library, provide new teaching, research and leisure facilities, and enhance campus energy efficiency.

Agreements to fund the University’s investment programme were signed on the campus by University of Birmingham Vice-Chancellor Professor David Eastwood and Simon Brooks, European Investment Bank Vice-President. A delegation from the European Investment Bank also visited a number of the development sites earmarked to benefit from the funding and met with students who will benefit from new facilities and discussed future investment plans with senior members of University staff.

Professor David Eastwood, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Birmingham, said: “The University of Birmingham is a leading global university which offers an inspirational student experience. Although we are very proud of the Edgbaston campus we want to undertake significant and exciting projects to develop our estate that will benefit students, staff and the local area. The University was founded to be an asset for the city and this investment will help ensure that we can continue to build one of the world’s finest universities on one of the UK’s most distinguished university campuses.”

Minister for Universities and Science David Willetts said: “This investment is excellent news for the University of Birmingham and the city as a whole. Upgrading facilities across the Edgbaston campus will improve the student experience, support excellence research and help ensure the university remains at the top of its game. The continued commitment from the European Investment Bank to invest in UK universities is a clear indication of their value to the economy and society.”

“Campus development at University of Birmingham will ensure that future generations of students can continue to benefit from a world class education and research facilities on a modern, vibrant and sustainable campus. The European Investment Bank is pleased to support this important crucial investment in one of the UK’s leading academic institutions as part of its growing engagement with UK universities to develop the knowledge economy in the UK and across Europe,” said Simon Brooks, European Investment Bank Vice President.

The 23 year loan from the European Union’s lending institution is part of the University of Birmingham’s investment in facilities that will transform the University’s Edgbaston campus, reinterpreting founder Joseph Chamberlain’s vision for the estate for the 21^st century and extending the services available to the local community. Plans include a new sports centre, which will house Birmingham’s only 50-metre swimming pool, as well as a new library with a ‘cultural hub’ open to the public.

The European Investment Bank recognises the long-term investment needs for universities and higher education institutions in the UK and over the coming years expects to be able to provide £200 million a year in new funding for the sector.

Over the last five years the European Investment Bank has provided £1.9 billion for education investment in the UK. Between 2007 and 2012 the European Investment Bank provided loans worth more than £10 billion to 147 education projects across Europe. 

Designed by Make Architects, The Serpentine is a modern interpretation of the traditional Victorian terrace. The major new community development comprises 94 homes and is designed to aid sustainable living. Stewart Milne Timber Systems (SMTS) supplied and erected the high specification closed panel timber frame for the S-shaped development of houses and flats.

The unique flexibility and cost effective offsite construction of the SMTS Sigma II Build System enabled Thames Valley Housing Association to create affordable housing without compromising on aesthetics, quality or delivery times. The use of timber frame and cladding also reduces the environmental impact of the development, which will meet Level 3 of the Code for Sustainable Homes.

Commenting on the project, Group managing director for Timber Systems, Alex Goodfellow, said: “We are finding unusual shapes and modern designs used increasingly in affordable housing projects. This approach ensures that space is utilised correctly and the maximum number of properties can be built while still allowing for an aesthetically attractive design and plenty of green space.

“Our Sigma II build system was a perfect fit for this project as it allows for design flexibility while the focus on fabric provides a robust, ‘fit and forget’ solution to low carbon building.”

Joe Richardson, Head of Project Delivery at Thames Valley Housing Association, said:

“We are pleased to have worked with Stewart Milne and our Contracting partners on this innovative scheme that will deliver high quality affordable housing with a range of eco-friendly features. The scheme’s unconventional shape proved no problem for Stewart Milne’s Timber Systems, delivering a hassle-free design and development process, on time and on budget.”  

Marshalls Priora is a SUDs solution which keeps paved areas clear of standing water without the need for complicated and expensive drainage systems – all the while providing an attractive, hard wearing surface suitable for any loading requirement. In addition, the Priora system cleanses water that flows through the structure and returns it straight back to the water table at source.

After 10 years of in situ experience with a zero failure rate, Marshalls embarked on a major study to ensure that the design advice offered was still up to date and relevant for modern applications. It employed a combination of laboratory test results, finite element analysis and Professor Knapton’s worldwide experience to arrive at a series of results. The findings have lead to a new series of design models which ensure best possible practice, reduce costs, provide environmental benefits, and truly reflect the requirements of today’s customers.

Marshalls’ new series of 9 sub base design models now provide more flexibility to clients than the 6 offered by the British Standard; the new models have been developed to reflect modern requirements, allowing a closer link between the required application and the level of recommended design. From light to heavily trafficked applications, and now including a heavy duty ports and docks option for static loads, the new models offer a more flexible approach than ever before. The Marshalls expert design team can now be even more prescriptive in their advice, and in the majority of cases, help to drive cost from the pavement structure.

Research was also carried out into the patented design of the Priora nib; 6 nibs per block each feature 8 separate faces which interlock in 3 different directions. This unique combination maximises rotational interlock between blocks – a feature which has been proven to reduce pressure on the sub base. Priora is the only permeable paving block on the market to demonstrate full rotational interlock through full scale testing, therefore providing clients with the confidence that they have a permeable paving system which will perform.

This rotational interlock enhances surface stiffness. Crucially, understanding this feature has allowed Marshalls to review and enhance the design of the sub base below a Priora pavement. The majority of new revised designs, which cater for all ground conditions, require shallower depths than Marshalls previous recommendations, therefore reducing costs and minimising time on site. By reducing the required amount of imported aggregate and, in excavation jobs, waste off site, the new options also offer enhanced environmental benefits – while still providing the required levels of hydraulic performance.

Chris Griffiths, Marshalls Water Management expert, said: “We worked with Professor Knapton on our initial Priora system design 10 years ago. Our own understanding of the technology has increased enormously since then, and this, combined with Professor Knapton’s worldwide experience, has given us a solid foundation from which to investigate new design methods.

“Marshalls Priora is the market leading permeable solution in the UK; in fact, since its launch Marshalls has sold enough Priora to pave nearly 500 football pitches, and enough water flows through these installations to fill over 1,100 Olympic sized swimming pools every year. However, we don’t believe in resting on our laurels and so we’re always seeking ways to improve our products and their performance.

“As the pending national SUDs standards seem to be preoccupied with the cost of installing a sustainable drainage system, it’s great that these new design models make a Marshalls Priora installation more cost effective than ever before.”

Professor Knapton said: “It’s been really interesting investigating why Marshalls Priora has performed so well over the past 10 years. Once we understood the rotational interlock advantage provided by the unique nib, it gave us the confidence to revise my initial design models which Marshalls have been using. The result is a new series of dependable, value-engineered models which truly reflect modern usage.”

For more information on Marshalls Priora, the product review, or issues surrounding water management, please visit www.marshalls.co.uk/wm or call Chris Griffiths on 01422 312083.

To achieve zero gypsum waste to landfill, British Gypsum has taken a two-pronged approach, which focuses on reducing manufacturing losses alongside increasing its ability to recycle and reprocess scrap material on site. Brian Andreas, Sustainability Leader at British Gypsum, explains: “We’re committed to addressing sustainability across every aspect of our business, and waste is one key area of focus as highlighted by the Plasterboard Sustainability Action Plan¹. So as well as helping customers tackle waste management through schemes like our Plasterboard Recycling Service, we’ve explored how we, as a business, can minimise what is sent to landfill too.”

The first step for the company was to identify areas where in the manufacturing process significant losses were being produced, and make changes to minimise wastage. British Gypsum also significantly invested in increasing its in-house recycling capabilities at each of its sites across the UK.

“As well as making practical changes, we’ve also been educating our workforce to ensure reducing waste remains front of mind,” added Brian. “This includes things like making sure they are fully trained on correct segregation procedures and understand the environmental benefits their positive actions can bring. By doing this, and improving our recycling and manufacturing processes, we’ve been able to achieve zero gypsum waste to landfill for a second year across the whole of our business, and it’s an achievement we’re really proud of.”

This latest achievement is part of British Gypsum’s role in Ashdown 2, the updated version of 2007’s original Ashdown Agreement - a shared voluntary initiative amongst UK plasterboard manufacturers to reduce waste to landfill and increase recycling. The agreement is led by the GPDA (Gypsum Products Development Association) and WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme).

May 16th 2012 - At Stand S2 at the Facilities Show (NEC 15 -17th May 2012), Stannah is demonstrating its commercial capability and surprising some visitors with the scale of its work. 

- National service and maintenance for Network Rail
- Escalator and moving walkway installations across the UK- Major lift refurbishments in historic buildings
- National Contract Management - for major retailers, pub chains, housing associations 
- New bespoke lifts in Cornwall Terrace - one of London’s finest addresses
- 24 new lifts at Kings Cross Station
- 36 escalators for the Birmingham New Street regeneration project

Peter Perry, Service Director at Stannah Lift Services comments:
‘We are delighted to be meeting many facilities professionals at the NEC. We know we can help many of them manage and improve their lift stock with the minimum of fuss. Our UK strength and capability may be the best kept secret in the lift industry - but the secret is out this week. We have quietly got on with giving our customers outstanding service and growing our operation right across the UK. The strength and breadth of our brand has built reputation and trust and our projects speak for themselves. Our major project capability is winning us prestigious contracts and we are delivering exactly what we promise - that we are always true to our word.’

To find out more about the Stannah range of commercial products and services go to www.stannahlifts.co.uk

Both fire retardant products, with proven track records going back over 25 years, are applied by controlled industrial pressure treatments and are backed by independent Classification Reports for Euroclasses (BS EN 13501-1) specific to a wide range of timber species and timber thickness. The treatments provide a long term and highly effective surface spread of flame protection that allows timbers to be used with real confidence in a wide variety of interior and exterior applications.

DRICON is a humidity resistant treatment and the fire retardant treated timbers or plywoods can be used in interior and weather protected exterior situations. DRICON is the only BBA approved fire retardant treatment for timber.

NON-COM Exterior is a leach resistant treatment and the fire retardant treated timbers can be used for exterior applications without the need for a protective coating.

Through VIACITIES OS, this intelligent paving stone will enable passers-by to access a suite of apps specific to their location. Tourist information, public transport services, maps of the area, local business promotions will all feature and regularly update.

The intelligent pavement was officially launched in Madrid on 26th December 2011. This initiative sees Madrid become the first European capital to turn its streets into a communications and customer service platform, making the Puerta del Sol the ground zero of intelligent pavements in Spain.

VIA INTELIGENTE has made alliances in Europe, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates for the commercialization of this international innovation. Developers are concentrating on installing the product within the larger Spanish cities at the moment. The paving stone isn't designed to be suitable for all climates. It only operates in temperatures between -10 degrees and 45 degrees. Naturally this won't be a problem in the temperate Mediterranean climes, but the technology will have to advance in order to make the product function in areas with extreme weather conditions.

Each stone will contain a 5GB microprocessor, which will then communicate and detect nearby hand-held devices. iPavement™ has two specifications – Classic and Foot Sensitive, the latter of which fulfils the regulation of universal accessibility. It is foot-sensitive (grooved) for the blind or the visually impaired. With four finishes in the range and an anti-slip coating, the paving stones are made to a high specification. The developers recommend a distance of 20 lineal meters between each paving stone, with pavement continuity of EPI Type A calcium carbonate to ensure propagation of waves. Each standard slab measures 40x40x7cm

iPavement™ will be widely manufactured in Spain by VIA INTELIGENTE from June 2012.

The GDFC is made-up of private sector organisations, local authorities and finance specialists and has been established as a not-for-profit company to provide access to cheap finance for homeowners and businesses which are looking to improve the energy efficiency of buildings through the Government’s Green Deal programme.

This flagship environmental initiative is due to be launched in October and the Government hopes it will usher in the biggest home improvement programme since the Second World War.

Home and business owners and landlords will be encouraged to make energy efficiency improvements to their buildings and to cut their carbon footprint and running costs at no up-front-cost by accessing low-cost loans which are then repaid via their energy bills.

Rockwool joins a consortium of leading organisations on the Green Deal Finance Company consortium, including: British Gas, Carillion, Clifford Chance, E.ON, EDF Energy, Goldman Sachs, HSBC, Insta Group, Kingfisher, Linklaters, Lloyds Bank Corporate Markets, Mark Group, npower, PwC, RBC Capital Markets and SSE.

Rockwool managing director Thomas Heldgaard stated: “We are delighted to join The Green Deal Finance Company and to play our part in helping to finance the Green Deal home improvement revolution.

“Rockwool has played a key role in helping to improve the energy efficiency and reduce the running costs of homes in the UK, providing insulation as part of the CESP and CERT schemes that were the predecessors to the Green Deal. We believe the Green Deal has the potential to make a significant contribution to the UK’s efforts to reduce energy costs and to cut the carbon footprint of homes and business premises and we look forward to working with the other consortium members to make this a reality.”

Parker Bell has been specialising in PAT tester sales, accessories and PAT training for more than fifteen years and prides itself on good customer service. We are happy to discuss your PAT testing needs to ascertain the right machine for you. It may be that you need a more complex machine, depending on the nature of your business and items under test. We won’t try and sell you something you don’t need. Call us on 01392 364 933, or visit our website www.parker-bell.co.uk.

Properties which have been lying half finished and boarded up after a private developer went into receivership will be brought to life by a social housing provider.

Home Group bought 24 unfinished properties in Whitehaven, Cumbria. The homes had originally been destined for private sale on the open market.

Work on the properties ground to a halt in August 2010 when the private developer in charge of the site fell victim to the economic downturn.

Now the homes on Jefferson Park in Low Road will be offered exclusively to those people eligible for social housing.

There will be a mixture of three and four bedroom family homes, along with one and two bedroom apartments as well as a two bedroom penthouse.

Staff from Home Group, along with contractors, have been on site for the last two weeks drying out the properties before being able to start work on putting the finishing touches to the properties.

The homes are at different stages of completion with some requiring minor work to become habitable while others need more major work to be brought up to standard.

Kerry Dryden, Home Group’s assistant project manager, said: “It is a shame that these houses were never completed at the time but I’m delighted that these properties will now be finished and made available for people who desperately need a home. We’re hoping to be able to have them ready for people to move into by early Autumn.

“We are really pleased to have been able to acquire these properties. We have a lot of properties in West Cumbria and specifically Whitehaven.

“We know people in the local community have been wondering when someone would step in and take on this project and Home Group is delighted that we have been able to do so.”

Ian Tallentire, Home Group director of development, said: “This project just goes to show that at a time when private house builders are struggling to complete projects the social housing sector is using innovative methods to deliver high quality housing stock for families and single people.

“The site has been at a standstill for two and a half years and people living locally will be just as pleased as we are to know these properties will finally be completed.”

The development has been named after the historic Jefferson family of Whitehaven which was involved in the rum importation trade.

Councillor George Clements, Copeland Borough Council portfolio holder for Housing and Planning said: “It’s great news that Home Group will be taking on this development and completing this housing.

“We look forward to seeing this progress and the properties becoming available to those who need them. As a council we're keen to support appropriate housing developments to ensure that supply meets the demand in the borough.”

SE Controls’ most recent appointments cover a range of roles including business development; technical sales and key account management as well as installation engineering and project management.

The new staff are not only helping SE Controls meet growing demand for its fire safety and energy efficient ventilation solutions, but represent a significant investment in its future, which is underlined with the appointment of its fourth Trainee Project Leader in the past 12 months.

Maj Mohammed joins Faisal Amir, Ross Cameron and Sion Wilcox, who are being mentored by SE Controls’ experienced project leaders as well as studying for a BTEC level 4 HNC Diploma in construction and the built environment through the company’s in house training and development academy.

“Much of the success we’re experiencing is down to the quality of our people and their outstanding abilities in their respective areas of expertise, explained SE Controls’ Managing Director, Will Perkins. “This, in turn, has helped us grow and support our domestic and international developments, which has enabled us to create a range of new job opportunities here in the UK.”

He added: “We have a very clear focus on the future of our business and our business development plans demand continued investment in high quality people to ensure we have the right people in place to maintain our high standards of design, technical and project management as well as supporting our increasing focus on customer service, support and quality.”

SE Controls is already in the process of seeking the next Trainee Project Leaders to join its team and the company’s latest recruitment and career opportunities are always posted in the ‘Careers’ section of its website, which can be found at www.secontrols.com.

SE Controls specialises in the design, project management and installation of advanced smoke ventilation and natural ventilation solutions to meet the needs of architects, contractors, building services engineers and facilities managers worldwide. Further information on SE Controls’ products, solutions and projects can be obtained by visiting www.secontrols.com or calling +44 (0) 1543 443060.

As a result, the timber frame industry has become the first construction sector to develop a comprehensive, evidence based, fire risk management approach for construction sites.

The first half of the seminar will look at:

• Background to the issue: Some statistics and facts on the problem experienced with arson
• Research Programme: A summary of the practice work undertaken including a large scale fire test programme. 
• The UK Timber Frame Association Guidance: An explanation of the documented practical risk management approach, developed and approved by HSE, ABI and the Fire Service. Printed copies of the guidance will be handed out to all delegates.

Having addressed the issue of managing the risk of arson on construction sites, the more pressing longer term issue is designing energy efficient timber frame buildings. This seminar assumes that the audience understands the drivers for designing and building to much tougher standards and concentrates on the details that can achieve it:

• Practical and cost efficient wall, floor and roof details
• Thermal bridging issues and details
• Achieving excellent air tightness through design

MMU is championing environmental measures through a raft of initiatives involving heating, lighting, energy and waste. It aims to cut its 2005 level of carbon usage by 35% by 2016. Already on track, it reduced its carbon output by 4.9% between 2009/2010, earning it the government-backed Carbon Trust Standard and gaining it a Top 20 ranking in the greenest UK University league by student environmental campaign group, the People & Planet Green League.

As part of this initiative the university has installed 40 hi-tech Escot clip-on sub-metering units within three halls of residence at its Crewe campus. Escot provides an in-depth view of overall consumption as well as localised usage and provides an alternative to installing many meters with different circuits for heating, lighting and power. The university hopes to make the energy usage information available to students to engage them in saving energy.

Compared to traditional sub-metering systems, Escot not only reduces installation work but also provides more information. The automatic energy data capture units utilise clip-on transducers that transmit a low voltage signal of equal proportion to energy consumption and eliminate the need for a three phase voltage connection. The signal is recorded by an integral data logger, allowing users to produce graphical analysis and CSV files using Deltrax software, which enables captured data to be quickly and easily downloaded.

To date MMU has used conventional sub-metering units at its Manchester campus. The need to install sub-meters at Crewe provided the perfect opportunity to use Escot.

MMU Estates Manager Mike Neary: ”Ease of installation was one of the main reasons for trying Escot and it has proved itself by going in very smoothly, connecting straight to the distribution board. It is so much easier to install than conventional sub-metering systems and we are very pleased with it. However choosing Escot was also about how the units operate as our energy management team plan to set-up league tables involving students in the evaluation of the captured data, which is measured in kW, to assess their usage and to create greater awareness of modifying energy consumption.”

As Escot is a cost-effective and efficient multi-channel sub-metering system which measures who is using what and when, it is ideal for a university environment with both individual rooms and communal facilities, which have heavy and variable consumption during term and holiday periods.

The Escot sub-metering system can be also be fitted to a sub-station to determine spare capacity on its mains feed to avoid overloading an electrical distribution system or individual circuit. It is one of a range of non-invasive systems by Marshall-Tufflex Energy Management that are easy to install and can be fixed or portable, depending upon the individual application.

Northwest based waterproofing contractor, Rooftop Solutions, chose a Gradient solution for this project, with the two companies having worked together on a number of successful previous contracts. The four separate roofs were stripped back to the decking before the Gradient tapered insulation was applied over a waterproofing membrane. The project team faced a number of challenges including unexpectedly high levels of rainfall, limited access to the building, lack of storage space on the site plus the need to complete the work during the University’s busy exam period.

Gradient’s National Field Sales Manager, Richard Milward said:

“Each section of the insulation is manufactured under controlled factory conditions and delivered to site ready for immediate installation. This allows us to create whatever falls are needed to ensure efficient drainage, it helps protect the roof from bad weather at an earlier stage, and it also reduces the installation time significantly compared to building up a traditional roof, layer-by-layer.”

The off-site manufacturing also allowed Gradient to schedule deliveries of the insulation so that the need for site storage was reduced, and any disruption to the building’s occupants was minimised.

Charles Openshaw, Rooftop Solutions Managing Director, commented: “This wasn’t the simplest of jobs but it was certainly a success. Having worked with Gradient before we were confident that they could help us tackle the challenges and meet the tight deadlines involved and they did not let us down.”

The Ellen Wilkinson building was named after the University’s famous ex-student who went on to become the MP for Middlesbrough East, the first female Minister of Education and a prominent supporter of the 1936 Jarrow March.

To find out more, visit www.gradientuk.com or call 01902 791888

With a successful track record in business development, sales and general management ranging from Electrical Wholesalers Newey & Eyre, UK FTSE 100 company Wolseley and more recently Wilts Electrical Wholesale, Matt brings a wealth of business experience to his new post.

The appointment follows a number of prestigious contract wins for the Shropshire based firm having recently announced agreements with one of the UK’s leading construction companies Balfour Beatty, infrastructure giant Enterprise and the National Trust.

Paul Cox, Managing Director of Reconomy said, “Reconomy has enjoyed continuous growth over recent years and has further ambitions to double turnover to £80m by 2016.

“Matt’s experience and ambition match that of Reconomy and I am confident that with a strengthened management team we shall continue to lead the UK market in sustainability management, waste handling and recycling services.”

Speaking of his appointment, Matt Nichols said: “I’m delighted to be joining Reconomy at such an exciting stage of the company’s development. There’s a vastly experienced and successful management team in place and the intention is that by adding my experience and skills to the mix we will capitalise on the company’s inherent strengths and maximise the opportunities that are undoubtedly out there in the market.

“Making full use of our market-leading position, our growth strategy will include further expansion of our market share in all aspects of the construction sector in addition to developing our business in the commercial and industrial sectors. These are exciting times and I’m looking forward to the challenge .”

The 45-minute seminar covers: various types of stone and their characteristics; causes of problems associated with natural stone; avoidance of common installation problems and the impact of backgrounds and substrates on adhesive and grout specification. It shows the importance of optimum product specification and gives guidance on best practice, helping architects to specify natural stone tiling with confidence.

‘Specifying For Natural Stone’ is the fourth BAL CPD module created for architects and specifiers. It joins modules on problem solving with tiling solutions and on specifying tiling works in leisure facilities and in heavily trafficked areas. All four seminars have been approved by RIBA, which requires chartered members to complete at least 35 hours of accredited CPD each year, split between a core curriculum and other relevant subjects.

BAL CPD seminars, created specifically for architects, are also highly relevant for designers, contractors and other specifiers. Further information can be obtained by email to training@bal-adhesives.com or by calling 01782 591120.

David Collett, Area Manager, Devon and Cornwall, for Leadbitter’s Western Construction division, welcomed representatives from the University of Exeter and University College Falmouth, which share and jointly manage the Tremough Campus, and local government officials to the event, and marked the occasion by hoisting a yew tree to the highest point of the building.

The ESI is an interdisciplinary centre leading cutting-edge research into solutions to problems of environmental change; in so doing, it is enhancing lives by improving people’s relationships with the environment. The ESI has three research themes: clean technologies, natural environment, and social science and sustainability. It will engage with hundreds of businesses in Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly and beyond to translate its research and expertise across these themes into innovative business practice, products, and services.

Mr Collett said: “This ceremony marks an important milestone in the construction of this significant new facility. Not only will the research conducted here be cutting-edge, but so will the building’s sustainability credentials.”

The ESI building will have a BREEAM Outstanding rating, the highest classification available under the BRE Environmental Assessment Method, which is the leading and most widely used environmental assessment method for buildings. There are currently only seven complete buildings with BREEAM Outstanding classification in the UK and none in the South West. Worldwide, fewer than 20 buildings have achieved the Outstanding classification.

Professor Kevin Gaston, Director of the Environment and Sustainability Institute, said: “The Environment and Sustainability Institute is a fantastic resource for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, and one of which we should all be proud. It demonstrates the University of Exeter’s commitment, not only to the region, but to conducting cutting-edge research into environmental change that will make a real difference to people’s lives.”

“This exceptional building is truly world-class and has provided us with an opportunity to work as part of an innovative collaboration,” added Niamh Lamond, CEO of the Tremough Campus Services Group, the partnership between the University of Exeter and University College Falmouth that delivers buildings, facilities and services on their behalf in Cornwall. “Through our expertise in procurement, sustainable design and project management, we are delighted to have contributed to the delivery of this BREEAM Outstanding building.”

Mark Yeoman, Deputy Chair of the Convergence Partnership Office for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, also attended the ceremony. He said: “The green technology response to global climate change and the ever present need for greater resource efficiency are key to our economic recovery. The ERDF Convergence investment in the Environment and Sustainability Institute will help secure our successful economic future.”

The ESI is due to open in Autumn 2012 and is being funded by the European Regional Development Fund Convergence Programme (£22.9M) and the South West Regional Development Agency (£6.6M), as well as receiving significant support from the Higher Education Funding Council for England.

And talking of warmth, the boiler and heating system in general will need a little TLC, so once all the safety lists have been ticked it could be the perfect time to think about controls!

It's alarming to think that many heating controls fitted to systems big and small are just not up to today's demands. It's 2012 after all so everyone should have close temperature control, optimisation, flexible programming on a weekly basis and energy savings that pay for the privilege but NO this is not the case.

Many of you reading this will think back to a time when you thought I wish these controls were easier to use or if only I could set different plans for different weeks, or set term dates so that the heating would go off and back on again when term starts, well you can, Dataterm gives you all of this in a simple neat little package.

12 Personal Plans, up to 4 heating zones plus hot water, optimum start / stop, close temperature control and the best bit, energy savings of 18-36%.

You may be lucky and have a system that does all of this but most of you won't so now is the perfect opportunity for you to take action and take control of your heating system and how much it costs you, take control, take Dataterm.

This is a self-supporting platform lift which will enhance the value of any building. Installation costs are kept to a minimum ensuring excellent value with a low ownership cost. The unit is compliant with Part M of the Building Regulations and has the following features as standard:

• 13 metres maximum travel
• Serves up to 6 floors
• 1250mm x 1560mm footprint
• 1400mm x 1100mm platform
• 60mm deep pit
• Flexible door arrangements
• 0.15 metres/sec travel speed
• Longevity – expected chain life of 25 years if properly maintained
• Easy to use
• Speedy installation
• 500kg capacity

Please call us for a chat on 0845 006 8803 to find out more, the Optimum 100 really is this good!

Three modular buildings will be built to provide a total of 3380m2 of accommodation to the Roundhay, Bracken Edge and Wykebeck area and will comprise of a total of 106 steel-framed modules, which will be manufactured off site in a controlled factory environment at Premier Interlinks modern facilities in East Yorkshire. These will be delivered by road and craned into position ready for the final stages of fitting-out on site.

The Wykebeck and Bracken Edge school buildings will comprise of single storey extensions to the existing schools providing additional classrooms to meet demand for places. Wykebeck’s design features will include composite insulated panel cladding with a brick slip plinth and the external design of the Bracken Edge modular building will be a mixture of composite insulated panel and brick slip. The Roundhay school project is the largest of the three. The end result will alter the age range of the school and expand Roundhay School Technology and Language College making this Leeds City Councils first two form entry school providing education for a child from the start to the end of their school career.

As main contractor, Premier Interlink will provide a full turnkey package, which will include perimeter fencing, tree protection and all groundworks on site. Design features on the two storey modular building will show an external finish of a mixture of render, brick slip and timber cladding and include a vaulted ceiling designed to provide ventilation and light at high level resulting in excellent cross ventilation throughout the entire school.

The NIA Annual Conference is now firmly regarded as the insulation industry event of the year and with over 300 delegates expected to attend, it will certainly be a great way for companies to showcase their products and services to the insulation industry.

The NIA is again offering members and previous exhibitors a special discounted rate for stands booked before the 18th May 2012 so, if companies would like to reserve a stand at the exhibition or take advantage of the limited number of sponsorship opportunities left please contact: Bev Coombe by email bev.coombe@nationalinsulationassociation.org.uk without delay.

Established in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1980, SCANFLEX® opened their U.K. branch in 1991 at Bromborough, Wirral. From Bromborough the company offers a nationwide service to architects, housing associations, occupational therapists, nursing homes, hospitals, schools and indeed anybody who is involved in the provision of suitable accommodation for the less able and multi-user environments.

The SCANFLEX® portfolio includes accessible & adjustable kitchen furniture, flexible bathroom/shower/toilet products and wheelchair accessible tables/desking systems.

SCANFLEX® projects include university, college & school developments, student accommodation, social housing, disabled adaptations and care homes.

Metsec view the complete system as being far more than the high performance, lightweight steel framing components that make up the SFS product; it also includes the value engineered design and fully detailed drawings, prepared by the steel suppliers’ technical team, the full range of standard and bespoke accessories, available for completeness of installation, together with the expert sales and technical support provided from initial consultation through to final installation.

Structural engineering expertise and vast practical construction experience have enabled Metsec’s design teams to create an innovative approach to the design of structural openings. The prime objective with every project is to deliver a solution that meets all of the performance requirements, whilst maximising the economic benefits of efficient design and installation. This allows Metsec to significantly reduce the overall weight of steel at design stage, without sacrificing the building’s functionality, appearance or performance. The result is a more efficient and cost-effective solution. The ‘free design’ services offered by some suppliers rely on over-engineered design solutions which can increase the overall weight and value of steel used, resulting in an uneconomic solution for both the installer and main contractor.

SFS epitomises Metsec’s drive to lead the way in lightweight steel construction solutions by meeting the industry’s need for time, cost and production efficiency. Official recognition of this comes from the Faithful and Gould report, which concluded that SFS can deliver cost savings of up to 39% over traditional block work in the construction of inner leaves of external walls.

SFS also continues to evolve and improve through Metsec’s research and development initiatives. New product innovations, such as the slotted head deflection track and accessories range, enhance the system’s efficiency and assure the delivery of continued benefits to the entire construction team.

Steve Ginger, sales director for Metsec’s Framing Division, comments, “Whilst SFS might appear to be a complex building product, expert solution design, coupled with approved construction drawings and a professional SFS installation company, make it a simple, straightforward system to incorporate into virtually any project.

More importantly, following this disciplined route from design through to final installation, utilising the expertise of our own in-house design team as well as the system’s dedicated and bespoke accessories, ensures that the project benefits from the impressive time and cost savings that SFS delivers”.

Metsec provides regular monthly training days for their approved installers and ensures that the highest level of workmanship is delivered on site with the comfort and benefit of total assurance from Metsec’s comprehensive design warranty and professional indemnity insurance.

Further details on SFS and other Metsec products can be found at www.metsec.com, by contacting Metsec on 0121 601 6000 or emailing interactive@metsec.com.

The College is extending the inclusive ethos throughout its sites, commissioning the UK’s leading disabled toileting solutions provider, Total Hygiene, to install special accessible toilet facilities not only in the new SkillsXchange, but also in its existing Thornes Park campus, with plans to further include them in another new block at the main Wakefield campus.

Explained a spokesperson for Wakefield College, “We want to promote access and education to all, and therefore felt the way forward was to put in accessible toilets, each on the ground floor near reception for optimum accessibility.”

The accessible toilets include space for the disabled person and up to two carers, a height adjustable changing bench, hoist, a height adjustable washbasin and Clos-o-Mat ‘wash and dry’ toilet.

The biggest-selling unit of its type, the Clos-o-Mat looks like a conventional WC but features integral douching and drying, removing the need for the user or their carer to manually cleanse after toileting, thus improving hygiene, dignity and independence. Clos-o-Mat toilets are manufactured in the UK by Total Hygiene. Observed Kelvin Grimes, Total Hygiene’s accessible toilet specialist, “Wakefield College felt an accessible toilet with a Clos-o-Mat rather than a standard WC would truly fulfill its ethos of access and education to all, regardless of type of disability.”

Founded 50 years ago, Total Hygiene is the only company in the UK that can not only supply the full ambit of disabled toilet solutions, but install, commission and maintain the equipment. In its history, it has supplied over 40000 Clos-o-Mat toilets, many of which are still in regular use some 30 years after first being installed.

The two companies continue their commitment to technological innovation with the broadest range of integrated electronic access control solutions in the industry. In addition to highlighting HID’s award-winning iCLASS SE access control platform for mobile access and seamlessly increasing system security, they will also showcase their Near Field Communications (NFC) mobile access ecosystem for turning mobile phones and other devices into secure ID cards for accessing doors.

“Technology is the key to higher security and by working together, ASSA ABLOY and HID Global can provide unrivalled electronic access control solutions for projects around the world,” said Harm Radstaak, managing director, EMEA with HID Global.

“With our cutting-edge innovations we can deliver powerful, integrated solutions from mobile-based access control systems to solutions for system expansion, remote management and credential personalisation.”

“In addition to heightened security, HID Global’s Secure Identity Object (SIO) technology offers the two distinct benefits of providing technology and device independency,” said Dr. Selva Selvaratnam, senior vice president and chief technology officer with HID Global.

“Our iCLASS SE platform is based on HID’s SIO technology that enables customers to increase security by simply deploying our latest readers for use with wide variety of existing and new card technologies. The platform also allows customers to take full advantage of using their NFC smartphones for mobile access as well.”

Chris Bone, Vice President Access Control EMEA of ASSA ABLOY added:

“With both companies’ recent technological advances, IFSEC 2012 is the ideal time for ASSA ABLOY and HID Global to join forces to showcase our combined offerings that meet our customers evolving needs.

“We will be on-hand to meet channel partners, end users, OEMs, systems integrators and security and IT managers to discuss the secure identity challenges they’re faced with at work and how our future proofed products can help them.”

HID Global and ASSA ABLOY will demonstrate its extensive suite of technologies, products, solutions and services in Stand C50 in Hall 4 at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham. Key demonstrations include:

ASSA ABLOY’s demonstrations:

Aperio™ wireless lock technology: Aperio™ wirelessly integrates mechanical locks into new and existing access control systems for easy and cost-effective system expansion, making it the most widely available wireless solution for integrating additional doors via online and offline devices, suitable for integration with HID technologies and controllers.

Aperio™ supports high and low frequency RFID technologies from HID including iCLASS and HID PROX as well as NFC, MIFARE and DESFire. The online devices are compatible with HID’s new VertX EVO networked access controller.

Highly Intelligent Opening (Hi-O™) Technology: Connects electronic door components to exchange encrypted information about the door status, like openings and much more. Where IT and security personnel jointly manage site security, this future proof technology can also be used in conjunction with HID’s new range of EDGE EVO Hi-O™ controllers and readers for host-based systems.

CLIQ™ Remote: The award-winning technology combines mechatronics with web-based software to allow remote management of disparate or large electronic master-keyed sites at any time, from anywhere in the world.

WatchLock™: This intelligent integration of security combines a high security padlock with an electronic alarm system and enables real-time alert and tracking from anywhere to anywhere.

HID Global’s demonstrations:

iCLASS SE® Mobile Access Solutions: Demonstrations of HID’s iCLASS -Enabled (SE) platform that enables the use of digital credentials on near field communications (NFC) capable smartphones while delivering increased functionality and unprecedented levels of security. The platform includes next generation readers, digital credentials and smart cards. iCLASS SE has been successfully piloted at Arizona State University in the United States.

Next-generation Network Access Control Solutions: HID will preview its next generation EDGE EVO® and VertX EVO controller platform for IP access control solutions. The open and scalable platform provides the most extensive access device system with enhanced security features, superior performance and future upgrade options. It includes a Developer Tool Kit equipped with OPIN API for both migration from EDGE® and VertX® controller technology and new development using the latest platform.

FARGO® Card Personalization Solutions: most comprehensive range of printer/encoders for custom card personalization, from creating high-quality colour photo IDs to encoding smart cards. Solutions include Direct-to-Card (DTC) and High Definition Printing™ (HDP®) printer/encoders, along with a complete line of visual security products and accessories. Printers demonstrated during the show include: FARGO HDP5000 and DTC4500.

ActivID® Credential Management System Appliance: Looking to future technology for PC security, HID will demonstrate its latest identity assurance solutions, including its ‘One Card’ solution for converged access and the convenient, ‘out of the box’ ActivIdentity ActivID® Credential Management solution.

For further information, please visit www.keytoifsec.com.

One New Change is located at Cheapside, adjacent to St Paul’s Cathedral in the heart of the City of London. An area steeped in commercial history, the City is at the centre of the national and international banking finance markets. With a few exceptions, the area has lacked the presence of the major high street retailers, something which One New Change has rectified in providing one of the largest consolidated retail spaces in central London.

Appointed to undertake the design and implementation of the development’s roof-sited, high and low voltage generator package, together with accompanying electrical infrastructure, building control systems and internal and external lighting systems, specialist electrical contractors, T.Clarke needed suppliers who could guarantee stock availability and efficient delivery to site on a daily basis. In keeping with emissions targets, the company also needed to source from a single supplier to minimise the number of deliveries to site.

T.Clarke selected Metsec Cable Management as the preferred supplier of cable management systems to the project through distributor, WF Electrical.

Nigel Moynihan, Contract Manager at T.Clarke explains, “Selecting the right suppliers is important on any project, but One New Change presented special considerations due to its location and the scale of the project. We needed to be confident that whoever was chosen would be able to react quickly to our on-site needs, assuring accuracy of inventory and reliability in deliveries. Metsec’s resources and skills provided this assurance and they succeeded in delivering their promises throughout the contract period.”

In total, Metsec delivered around £200,000 worth of products to site on a daily call-off over the course of the M&E stages of the project.

Metsec’s commercial manager, Manjit Singh, comments, “Naturally, with such a large project there was a good deal of negotiation and planning taking place before we actually started, but our technical and sales teams were able to get everything in place without any problems. Our stock levels and manufacturing capabilities enabled us to guarantee product availability and, as we deliver to Central London on a daily basis, scheduling of deliveries to One New Change was relatively straightforward; all in a day’s work, really!”

Open seven days a week, One New Change is Land Securities’ latest completed development located on Cheapside in the heart of the City of London. Designed by Jean Nouvel, one of the world's most celebrated modernist architects, the mixed-use development offers approximately 330,000 sq ft of prestigious office space and 220,000 sq ft of retail space comprising shops, cafés and restaurants, establishing Cheapside as one of London's great commercial thoroughfares.

SIG, which is sponsoring the training hub, has invited Simon to participate in the NFRC demonstrations and illustrate the benefits of the integrated PV48 system by conducting a live installation.

Kevin Taylor, the NFRC’s technical manager said: “It’s very important that roofing contractors are encouraged to install solar panels as they have the best knowledge of the roof so can help to avoid potential errors. The PV48 has been designed with the roofer in mind, so is very quick and easy to install, which Simon will be proving in his 45 minute session. We’re confident that this display will actively encourage more roofers to take part in solar training and future solar installations.”

“The PV48 offers a number of benefits that I will be highlighting at the event,” added Simon Dixon. “It can be integrated with other manufacturer’s roof tiles as well as those offered by Sandtoft, providing developers with a very flexible solution. It can also be quickly and efficiently installed by any roofing contractor, which saves time and ultimately money.”

Greenbuild Expo 2012 is free to attend and takes place on 9th and 10th May from 9:30am until 4pm at Manchester Central in the city centre. Visitors can see Simon in action at 10:45am on Wednesday, 9th May and 14:15pm on Thursday, 10th May.

Contractors wishing to learn more about the PV48 can also attend Sandtoft’s practical solar training courses which are held around the country. The manufacturer also now offers MCS training.