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UK Government Puts Water Efficiency In The Spotlight: Cistermiser calls for urgent action to curb everyday waste

With DEFRA placing resource efficiency and water resilience at the heart of its latest policy agenda, Cistermiser is warning that millions of litres of drinking water are still being lost through avoidable leaks and poor washroom practices every day.

The Department’s call for responsible resource management comes against the backdrop of mounting concern over water scarcity, rising utility costs and the environmental toll of wasted resources. Industry experts warn that without rapid change, parts of the UK could face significant supply shortfalls within 20 years.

Cistermiser’s Managing Director Richard Braid says: “DEFRA is absolutely right to elevate water efficiency alongside energy and carbon reduction. We cannot afford to treat water as limitless. From leaking toilets in schools and hospitals, to inefficient washroom systems in offices and public spaces, the scale of waste is staggering.

“The good news is the technology already exists to solve this problem – and to do so quickly. At Cistermiser we see it as our role to turn Government policy into everyday reality by giving building owners and facilities managers the tools to manage water responsibly, cut costs and support national sustainability targets.”

Water efficiency is also linked to economic growth and DEFRA is working closely with MHCLG to explore whether the Building Regulations 2010 could be amended to tighten water efficiency standards. That is because DEFRA believes a failure to implement water demand management measures in response to water scarcity could result in over 61,000 houses not being built costing the economy £25 billion in this parliamentary term. 

“We welcome the public consultation on the review of water efficiency in the Building Regulations and will be contributing to it,” continues Richard.  “By positioning ourselves as a practical partner to Government and industry, Cistermiser is demonstrating how water-efficient technologies can underpin national ambitions on growth sustainability, resilience and Net Zero.”

Cistermiser’s product range, including intelligent urinal controls and leak prevention technologies, is already helping estates across the UK tackle unnecessary consumption. The business is now urging facilities managers, landlords and contractors to use DEFRA’s latest policy focus as a trigger for immediate review of water usage. 

A recent installation at Radisson RED London Heathrow shows the potential impact. By adopting Cistermiser sensor technology, the hotel has reduced water consumption in its washroom urinals by an impressive 84% while also cutting associated carbon emissions. 

The project demonstrates how targeted interventions can deliver measurable savings and aligns with both Government and industry sustainability priorities.

For more information on the Cistermiser range visit www.cistermiser.co.uk 

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Domus Ventilation Expands Energy Efficient Axial Fan Range

UK ventilation manufacturer Domus Ventilation has added new models to its intermittent axial fan range: the DBF100 100mm (4”) fan and the DKF150 150mm (6”) fan.  Both fan types are available in versions with timer control, and combined humidistat and timer control which identifies and reacts to a significant change in humidity.  The DBF100 is also available with a pull cord control.

The new Domus Ventilation axial fans have been designed for high performance and energy efficiency.  The DKF150 provides extract volume rates up to 48.8 l/s, with the smaller DBF100 operating up to 18.6 l/s, ensuring compliance with Building Regulations Part F Ventilation.  Even with these high extraction rates, the new fans operate with a low Specific Fan Power (SFP), down to 0.38W/l/s, saving energy and reducing operating costs.  They are also quiet in operation, down to 34dB(A).

As with all Domus Ventilation products, ease of installation has been a fundamental aspect of the product design.  The new axial fans are compact so readily fit into small spaces.  They come with easy-to-follow installation instructions and flexible mounting options, and compatible ducting kits are available to order.

Built with high-quality materials and durable components, the new fans are robust and provide long-lasting, reliable performance, whilst also being positioned at an extremely attractive price point, representing genuine value for money. They come with a two year warranty as standard.  

Designed to work with short duct runs which connect directly to an external outlet or grille, the Domus Ventilation axial fans are suitable for use in residential and light commercial bathrooms, toilets, kitchens, and utility rooms.  They have an aesthetically pleasing design that is both discreet and contemporary, making them suitable for all interior design styles.  

The addition of the DBF100 100mm (4”) and DKF150 150mm (6”) fans now complete the Domus Ventilation axial fan range, providing customers with a single source of axial fans.

Domus Ventilation has a well-deserved reputation for quality, supported by excellent technical support, from a market leading manufacturer and designer.  It is well placed to offer immediate, practical solutions to Building Regulations Parts F & L.  For further information, please contact vent.info@domusventilation.co.uk or visit domusventilation.co.uk 

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Hamworthy Heating introduces updates to its Varmax Mk2 floor-standing boiler range

Hamworthy Heating, technical experts in commercial heating and hot water products, is pleased to introduce the latest updates to its Varmax floor-standing condensing boiler range. Designed to improve installation and maintenance efficiency, the new and improved Varmax Mk2 offers greater flexibility, enhanced performance, and easier servicing for a wide range of commercial heating applications.

The latest updates to the Varmax Mk2 range are designed to simplify installation and maintenance and minimise downtime. They include a new touch-screen interface for intuitive operation and seamless navigation, and an improved casing design that allows easier access to key components.

Built for long-term reliability, the Varmax Mk2 floor standing condensing boiler range features a durable, corrosion-resistant stainless steel heat exchanger, backed by a five-year warranty, offering excellent resistance to varying system water conditions. Available in six models, the range provides accurate heating system load matching, with outputs of up to 450kW from a single unit and the option to cascade multiple boilers for larger installations.

Incorporating an advanced design with a built-in flue gas non-return valve for optimal system efficiency and a simplified flue system and well-insulated construction to reduce standby losses, the Varmax Mk2 offers an energy-efficient solution for buildings with high demands, such as schools, offices, and healthcare facilities. Furthermore, with no requirement for a dedicated primary circuit and no minimum flow rates, the Varmax Mk2 also offers customers valuable time and cost-saving installation benefits.

As part of Hamworthy Heating’s commitment to providing innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of its customers, the new and improved Varmax Mk2 floor standing condensing boiler range provides a flexible and reliable heating solution.

For more information, please visit: www.hamworthy-heating.com/ or call 01202 662 552.

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Nuaire provides affordable cooling for central London residential development

Indoor air quality and ventilation manufacturing specialist Nuaire has had its MRXBOX Hybrid Cooling Systems installed into the new Berkeley Oval Village mixed use development in central London.  

103 MRXBOX Hybrid Cooling Systems with Nuaire ducting are being installed into one bedroom apartments at Oval Village in an area called the Zone, which are available on a shared ownership basis.  Compact in size, they are being installed within each apartment’s utility cupboards. 

The MRXBOX Hybrid Cooling System, which is a cooling extension for the MRXBOX Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) range, combines the heat-exchanger coolth recovery of an MVHR system with the cooling effect provided by a DX coil.  A wall-mounted room temperature sensor senses indoor temperatures and activates the cooling module automatically when necessary.  

The MRXBOX Hybrid Cooling System has been designed specifically to address the issue of overheating in problem areas of developments, where specific apartments or groups of apartments cannot be naturally ventilated and where site wide cooling technologies are not an option.  The MRXBOX Hybrid Cooling System significantly lowers the temperature of the fresh-air supply for occupant comfort, and enables compliance with Building Regulations Part O which addresses overheating mitigation requirements in new build properties.

Whilst passive ventilation solutions, such as opening windows, are prioritised under Approved Document O, there are instances when this is neither desirable, nor practical; this could be due to safety considerations, external noise and/or pollution. Located in the heart of London, Oval Village has these issues to contend with, plus higher temperatures than in other parts of the UK as a result of the Urban Heat Island effect.

The MRXBOX Hybrid Cooling System was selected by the consultant on the Oval Village development following an assessment of the acoustics, air quality and overheating.  For apartments that would not meet the noise criteria, natural ventilation was not an option and an alternative solution had to be found in the form of mechanical ventilation.  Cooling technologies for individual apartments impacted by overheating where looked at.  While split systems with fan-coils are a tried and tested option, they weren’t universally suited to all apartments in the development.  Such cooling systems come at a premium price and, furthermore, are relatively energy hungry so residents have to have the means to pay to run them.  With a number of the apartments at Oval Village allocated as affordable housing, the cost of cooling for the home owner was an important consideration.

The Nuaire MRXBOX Hybrid Cooling Systems were welcomed by the consultant as a means of achieving compliance with Part O without the energy cost of a full cooling system that occupants have to pay for.  As well as creating a simple solution to overheating in summer months, the units provide a high standard of indoor air quality year round via high-efficiency MVHR.

To find out more about Nuaire’s Hybrid Cooling System go to https://www.nuaire.co.uk/product-list-page/mrxbox-hybrid-cooling-system

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NEC CONTRACTS HAS GONE DIGITAL: PAPERLESS, TO GIVE YOU MORE

 

NEC Contracts has launched NEC Digital, an intuitive online contract drafting platform that transforms how users work with the internationally recognised NEC suite of contracts. Built on the foundational principles of clarity, simplicity and collaboration, NEC Digital provides seamless access and management capabilities, unites stakeholders together on a single, online platform and creates comprehensive digital libraries of clauses and terms for future projects.

 

More than just a digital version of paper contracts, NEC Digital is a new subscription-based service designed specifically around the needs of clients, contractors, consultants and project teams. The platform fundamentally transforms collaborative contracting operations by combining intuitive ease of use with comprehensive functionality, enabling more widespread adoption of collaborative practices across the industry

Key Features and Capabilities

Guided Contract Setup: NEC Digital provides intelligent contract configuration that allows users to select main and secondary clauses tailored to project requirements. The platform’s side-by-side view of options and relevant clauses makes contract navigation intuitive and efficient, while contextual drafting guidance ensures informed decision-making throughout the process.

 

Comprehensive Contract and Z Clause Library: The platform contains all main options (A to F), a full range of secondary clauses, and a comprehensive personalised Z clause library built from users’ previously drafted clauses. Features include automatic dispute option selection (W1-W3) and intelligent clause compatibility checking that prevents the selection of incompatible clauses during drafting, reducing errors and potential disputes while enhancing quality assurance.

 

Enhanced Collaboration Tools: NEC Digital streamlines collaboration by bringing all stakeholders together on a single platform with multi-access points for different team members, suppliers, and contractors. Robust permission controls ensure only authorised personnel can view and edit documents, maintaining complete version integrity throughout the project lifecycle.

 

Secure Tender Management: During the tender process, when Contract Data 1 is generated, bidders can access a secure environment through a simple link. The platform provides the same interactive guidance to ensure high-quality submissions from all parties, whilst the clause navigator and Contract Data 2 bid flow offer complete visibility of all contractor-selected clauses and their exact parameters.

 

The launch comes at a critical junction for the construction sector, where collaborative contracting has demonstrated significant benefits including cost reduction, improved efficiency, minimised disputes and enhanced sustainability outcomes. Recent research from NEC Contracts revealed that 82% of industry professionals feel positively about more widespread adoption of collaborative contracts, recognising the substantial benefits that such contracts can deliver.

Rekha Thawrani, OBE and Global Director at NEC Contracts said:

“With the industry evolving rapidly and facing multiple challenges, paper-based contract processes are no longer sufficient for today’s complex, multi-stakeholder projects. NEC Digital transforms the contracting process and brings the NEC suite into the digital age with an efficient, transparent and intuitive approach, offering users the confidence and assurance of the highest quality contract outcomes.”

 

As a future ready solution, NEC Digital makes collaborative contracting faster, simpler and more accessible. The platform delivers comprehensive guidance throughout the contracting process, contextual support for decision-making, and enhanced tools for teamwork and collaboration, positioning organisations for success in an increasingly digital construction landscape.

CLICK HERE to find out more

 

 

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NOVUM STRUCTURES AND PYROGUARD DELIVER INNOVATIVE FAÇADE GLAZING SYSTEM FOR LUXURY CRUISE LINERS

 

Novum Structures, a globally recognised specialist marine contractor in glass, steel and ETFE, and Pyroguard, the world’s leading independent provider of fire safety glass, have worked in partnership to design a fire-rated, clear-view façade glazing system that is fully tested and accredited to meet A30 and A60 fire resistance criteria for use on cruise liners.

The innovative solution was developed for the Royal Caribbean Group and first used as part of its latest ‘Wonder of the Seas’ liner.

Novum Structures approached Pyroguard to support the company in meeting the challenges and specific requirements of the project.  The requirement was to produce glazed wall panels and a clear-view façade which complied with fire safety standards, whilst meeting aesthetic requirements and achieving a lightweight design.

One of the main challenges of supplying glass solutions was ensuring the system did not exceed stringent weight recommendations. In shipbuilding and the marine sector, weight is a crucial factor as it can impact overall efficiency, fuel consumption, stability, balance and performance.

Novum’s design aimed to achieve the maximum glazed area, with minimised steel frame, offering an unimpaired vision for the passengers. Pyroguard’s glazing system had to deliver exceptional fire resistance while maintaining a clear-view façade glazing system without obstructing frame elements. Specifically, it had to meet A30 and A60 fire-resistance criteria.

The Pyroguard and Novum glazing solution achieved IMO MED (International Maritime Organisation Marine Equipment Directive) certifications, which ensure the system meets strict fire and safety performance for marine applications.

Steve Goodburn, Business Development Director, at Pyroguard, said:

“We are delighted to have worked closely with Novum to develop fully tested and certified fire-rated, clear-view façade glazing systems for cruise liners.  This was a complex project that involved the expertise of our technical teams and it was great to partner with Novum from an early stage on the project.  Once the system was fully tested and certified, it was delivered on schedule to meet the client’s exacting requirements.”

A key engineering challenge was the curved configuration of the glazing system. Traditional curtain wall systems would have required extensive use of steel supports, significantly increasing the overall weight and obstructing passenger vision.

To address the design and weight challenges of the project, Pyroguard, in collaboration with Novum, proposed the use of a butt-jointed glazing system. This provided a structurally efficient and lightweight solution that offers the necessary flexibility.

This approach also enhances visual clarity, light transmission and UV stability without compromising safety.  The design of the system minimised the use of additional steel reinforcement, meeting the unique design requirements and significantly reducing the overall structural load.

Pyroguard’s toughened fire-rated glass is designed to withstand fire exposure for up to 60 minutes. The installation consists of 280 m2 of 32 mm thick glass comprising three layers of toughened safety glass with two active gel interlayers. The internal cavities of the profiles are filled with non-combustible insulating materials to minimise heat transfer, resist high temperatures and provide excellent insulation, effectively preventing the spread of flames, smoke and heat.

The glazing system is supported by a robust stainless steel profile structure, made from 1.4401 grade steel, which was selected for its superior corrosion resistance in marine environments.

The system was tested to ensure that it met the required fire safety standards for the marine environment and it successfully achieved an A60 class rating for straight walls and an A30 class rating for facetted walls.

Richard Mattocks, Managing Director, Novum Structures said:

“We are excited to offer the cruise market a fully tested and certified fire-glazed system and it was fantastic that its first use was on such a prestigious cruise liner.

“The project had its challenges and complexities but by working closely with Pyroguard, we were able to meet all the fire safety and performance requirements of the glazing system. Together we have pushed the boundaries of design and innovation with this newly developed curved glazing façade that complements the aesthetic requirements with maximum light transmission and minimum weight.”

For more information CLICK HERE

 

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