Indoor air quality and ventilation manufacturing specialist Nuaire is pleased to announce Passivhaus certification has been achieved on BPS Passivhaus air handling units (AHU) and XBC Passivhaus packaged heat recovery units.

With buildings contributing significantly to harmful carbon emissions, Passivhaus provides proven solutions to deliver net-zero-ready buildings that also provide a high level of occupant health and wellbeing.  Passivhaus adopts a whole-building approach with clear, measured targets, focused on high-quality construction, certified through an exacting quality assurance process.  For a building to achieve the Passivhaus Standard in the UK, a mechanical ventilation system with highly efficient heat recovery is considered a core principle.

Rigorously independently tested under realistic conditions to ensure they meet the strict Passivhaus efficiency, thermal comfort, and indoor air quality criteria, Nuaire’s BPS Passivhaus AHUs in sizes 12,17, 22, 32 and 42, and XBC Passivhaus packaged heat recovery units in sizes 55 and 65 have now been certified as Passivhaus compliant components.

BPS Passivhaus is a range of high specification packaged AHUs designed and engineered to provide an efficient, high performing, compact solution for a multitude of applications.  Efficiency comes from a dual compressor system that uses less energy than one single large compressor, a high efficiency thermal wheel, and minimal air leakage (it has the top L1 leakage classification).  BPS Passivhaus AHUs feature a high quality double lined acoustic end panel insulated with Rockwool for reduced noise breakout and low leakage, ensuring the unit is airtight.  BPS Passivhaus AHUs feature M5 extract air filters, enabling pollutants as small as 1 micron to be captured, and G4 and G7 supply air filters which are designed to stop larger pollutant particles from entering.

With a plate heat exchanger with efficiencies of up to 95%, XBC Passivhaus are high performance packaged heat recovery units designed to improve indoor air quality whilst saving energy.  High classification F7 and G4 extract filters have been installed to ensure the units meet the high Passivhaus air quality standards, whilst airtight seals prevent heat or air loss up to L2 leakage classification.  They have been designed with the lowest possible noise breakout for user acceptance, and are easy to install, commission and maintain.  XBC Passivhaus is available with LPHW or electric heating options as standard, with cooling modules also available as an ancillary.

Both BPS Passivhaus and XBC Passivhaus are fitted with high classification class 3 dampers to ensure the units remain airtight, mitigating weak points in a Passivhaus build.


CLICK HERE for more information on Nuaire’s BPS Passivhaus and XBC Passivhaus products

 


 

Domus Ventilation rigid ducting has been installed at a new luxury aparthotel in one of York’s most architecturally renowned streets, Micklegate, as part of the Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) system installed throughout the new development.

Situated within York’s central historic core conservation area, Micklegate has been designed with a contemporary interpretation of the medieval streetscape.  A new addition to the Supercity Aparthotel portfolio, it features 46 beautifully designed apartment suites designed for luxury, practicality, and comfort, along with a ground floor restaurant and bar.

Contributing to the comfort of guests, the MVHR system in place extract stale air, and transfer the heat from it to the fresh air drawn into the building.  But an MVHR can only perform to its best ability when paired with suitable, quality ducting.  Domus Ventilation ducting has exacting tolerances and connects together for minimal air and moisture loss and maximum system efficiency.  The ducting has been designed to work in harmony as part of a system and has been third party tested for end-to-end system performance.

Domus 204×60 Rigid Duct and fittings have been used at the new Micklegate aparthotel throughout, along with Domus sound attenuators.  The latter absorbs sound over a range of audible frequencies travelling through ductwork, such as the MVHR fan, external traffic noise or room-to-room-cross talk, making it an ideal addition in a hotel.

York based M&E contractor J. H. Shouksmith & Sons is a long standing Domus Ventilation customer and was responsible for specifying and installing Domus Ventilation ducting on this project.

“We always use Domus ducting on any contract we undertake due to the ease of installation and the large mixture of fittings available” comments Carl Turner, Senior Contracts Manager.  Carl is also impressed with the service provided by Domus Ventilation: “It’s very good and any queries or information required is answered quickly.”

Domus Ventilation is a manufacturer of market-leading ventilation systems that save energy and improve indoor air quality. Established over 30 years ago, and part of the Genuit Group plc, Domus Ventilation manufactures high quality and solution based ventilation products for the domestic and light commercial building industry from its state-of-the-art production facilities in South Wales.  The company provides differentiated ventilation solutions, transforming the way developers, contractors, installers, home owners and distributors meet Building Regulations Parts B, F & L and emerging environmental standards.


CLICK HERE for more information on Domus Ventilation products

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nuaire’s Hybrid Cooling System is a cooling extension for its boxed-ventilation range designed to tackle residential overheating and provide a solution that meets Building Regulations.

 

The Nuaire Hybrid Cooling System is an ancillary cooling module that works with the existing Nuaire MRXBOX MVHR products to provide a hybrid MVHR and cooling system – delivering clean indoor air, while combatting overheating – a modern day issue in many high-rise new builds.

 

The new system is an energy efficient, space-saving solution that can be effortlessly integrated to newbuilds that face overheating problems; such as floor to ceiling glazed apartments where natural ventilation is impossible due to environmental and noise pollution outside, and dwellings which are without shade to protect them from the sun’s heat.

 

 

 

Andrew Nash, Divisional Manager and Overheating Expert at Nuaire, said:

“Overheating is a modern-day concern and not one which will be going away anytime soon – it can cause serious problems with sleep as well as heat stress, and present other major health risks meaning that often, overheated buildings are left abandoned in the hotter, summer months.

“Although current Building Regulations don’t talk enough about mechanical cooling, in most instances there is no other option. It’s important we tackle this issue and future-proof our residential systems to keep properties healthy and habitable going forward.

“With these rising temperatures, 4.6m homes in England already reported to have problems with overheating and more new builds being built set to face these issues, it is time for a fresh look at how we ventilate and create an optimal thermal temperature all year round within a home.

“With no option for natural ventilation, mechanical clean air input and extract is a necessity,” Nash continues. “Therefore, a new hybrid heating and cooling system needs to be considered to help with the optimisation of temperatures, especially within new builds. Our Hybrid Cooling System, introduced in 2022, gives peace of mind for consultants needing to recommend solutions for clean, comfortable, temperate air throughout a property that confidently meets Building Regulations.”


FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE NUAIRE WEBSITE

 

 


 

   

EnviroVent, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of sustainable ventilation systems for residential dwellings, has revealed an exciting new decentralised Mechanical Extract Ventilation (dMEV) unit that is set to take the new build sector by storm.

QURO is set to be a ‘best in class’ product that incorporates the latest fan technology achieving noise levels below 9 dB(A) at 3m. It comes with constant volume technology ensuring that the selected airflow rate is able to be achieved at a range of pressures without manual adjustments.

Performance is guaranteed as EnviroVent’s QURO has low specific fan power (SFP) down to 0.08 W/l/s, which means the fan operates in the most efficient manner.  Compliant with Building Regulations Approved Document F for Continuous Extract Ventilation within dwellings, QURO is listed on the SAP PCDB (Product Characteristics Database).

QURO has a stylish, compact low-profile design, making it perfect for the specification and new build market, with the flexibility to be wall or ceiling mounted.  It has a small footprint of 175mm x 175mm.

A powerful ventilation unit, QURO is capable of meeting the requirements of all the wet rooms in a property including the kitchen, bathroom, utility, ensuite and WC.

Ruth MacEachern, Product Manager at EnviroVent, explains:

“We are really excited about the release of this innovative new ventilation unit, as part of our commitment to supporting the new build sector.  QURO offers low SFP down to 0.08 W/l/s and a maximum power consumption of only 4.5 Watts, making this a leading energy efficient ventilation solution. Housebuilders and specifiers are increasingly seeking ventilation solutions that are compliant with the Future Homes and Building Standard, as well as being compact in design and offering minimal noise disturbance. QURO is the perfect solution for a wide variety of new build applications.”

As part of enhancing energy efficiency, QURO has been aerodynamically optimised and uses a low watt DC motor, providing reduced energy consumption and increased efficiency with enhanced sustainability.

Featuring an Auto Intelligent Timer, QURO automatically varies the over-run timer period, depending upon how long the fan has been in operation.  The auto timer can also be turned off and a standard fixed time period timer can be used instead.

It also features Auto Intelligent Humidity, which means the fan speed can respond in direct correlation to changes in relative humidity, therefore enhancing comfort for occupiers.

 

QURO incorporates integral controls via a display on the side of the unit.  This display offers the user the ability to control the unit, including the fan, speed, timer, humidity (model depending) as well as viewing the period of time the fan has been in operation, current running status and any potential errors identified.

QURO has been designed to be low maintenance with no filter needed. Cleaning is simple, as the fan cover can easily be removed and wiped with a cloth to remove any dust or build-up.

QURO is also straightforward to install and provides flexible set up with 5 selectable trickle speeds of 5, 8, 11, 13 and 16l/s, allowing the fan to be commissioned to suit a range of property needs. It also offers a selectable boost speed between 20 and 30l/s which can be selected using the side display.

 

EnviroVent is the UK’s leading manufacturer of low energy sustainable domestic ventilation systems for the domestic new build market. The company provides housebuilders, developers, specifiers, M&E consultants, contractors and Installers with exceptional technical support to meet Building Regulations and the Future Homes and Building Standard compliance. EnviroVent offers a complete service solution, from providing detailed system design and quotations through to a first class aftercare service.  The company has an extensive product range, including MVHR, MEV and DMEV units, Passivhaus-compliant ventilation systems, PIV units, through to extractor fans.


CLICK HERE to find out more about how EnviroVent

helps the new build sector to meet latest requirements

 

or for more iformation on the QURO DMEV ventilation unit CLICK HERE

 

 

A £1m loan from Mayor Steve Rotheram’s Flexible Growth Fund has enabled pioneering local company Hemsec Manufacturing Ltd to open a new Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) Manufacturing Hub in Knowsley, creating 25 jobs and helping the city region’s drive to become net zero carbon by 2035.

Hemsec started out in St Helens in 1928 making cork cabinets to store ice for ice-cream makers. After decades of innovation, Hemsec were one of the UK’s first to develop structural insulated panels (“SIPs”) for residential applications at scale in 2007, foreseeing the UK’s need for more energy-efficient buildings, and for fast construction using modern methods of construction (MMC).

Panelised construction is a modern method of construction that involves the fabrication of structural panels off-site, which are then transported to the construction site for assembly.

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) provide a superior airtightness and insulation level, particularly in comparison to traditional masonry methods of building homes, producing homes that can significantly improve standards of living and are cheaper to heat.

Hemsec currently works with local housing associations on the development of low-carbon homes which can be built at speed and cost a fraction of price to heat, helping to appease the housing shortage whilst reducing energy bills significantly for occupants.

The £1m loan from the Flexible Growth Fund, the maximum amount available to a single applicant, has enabled Hemsec to create a new manufacturing hub in Huyton in Knowsley, creating 25 new jobs along with two apprenticeships for local people.

Speaking about the loan, Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram, who recently officially opened the new plant, said:

“This is exactly what our Flexible Growth Fund was created for—empowering local companies to innovate, create jobs, and stay ahead in their field. Hemsec’s new manufacturing hub is not just an investment in their future but in the future of our region, driving forward our ambitions to be a leader in modern, energy efficient construction and helping us on our path to becoming a net zero city region by 2035.”

Cllr Mike Wharton, Cabinet Member for Business, Investment and Trade, said:

“The purpose of our Flexible Growth Fund is to provide fast and flexible loans to successful businesses to enable them to grow.

“Hemsec have long been pioneers in modern methods of construction and this loan will help them to stay at the forefront of this exciting sector and create jobs for local people in the process.”

Stephen Painter, Managing Director at Hemsec, said:

“The opening of Hemsec’s SIPs Manufacturing Hub represents a transformative moment for the Liverpool City Region and the British manufacturing industry. With the capabilities of this pioneering press machine, we have an unprecedented opportunity to accelerate the construction of much-needed truly affordable social housing, providing safe and sustainable homes for our communities.

“A fabric-first approach to sustainable buildings is crucial for ensuring the performance of our homes is optimised now and remains for the lifetime of the building, securing longevity in energy efficiency.”

The Flexible Growth Fund was established by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority with £20m in 2020, offering flexible, low-interest loans that businesses can access quickly and easily, to enable projects to be completed.

Managed by River Capital, it is available to small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) undertaking expansion projects and with the ability to raise 50% in match funding from the private sector.

All loans are paid back to the Combined Authority with interest, enabling the money to be reinvested in local businesses.

Source: Growth Platform

Mibec, a leading provider of bespoke thermal storage solutions, proudly announces the successful completion of a ground-breaking project at Shawfair Energy Centre. This collaboration has delivered 300,000 litres of cutting-edge buffer tank storage to support the state-of-the-art Shawfair low-carbon district heating system.

Through close collaboration with project stakeholders, Mibec engineered an optimised buffer tank solution that maximised the system’s efficiency while minimising costs. 

Managing Director at Mibec, Mark Chisnall said: “By recommending 100,000-litre tanks over the initially proposed 150,000-litre capacity, we ensured both immediate functionality and future scalability for the energy centre. Additionally, incorporating diffusers within the tanks guarantees uniform fluid distribution, maintaining optimal flow velocity essential for peak performance.

The successful completion of this project underscores Mibec’s dedication to innovation and sustainability. As specialists in bespoke thermal storage solutions, Mibec continues to push boundaries, transforming visions into reality with expertise and precision.” 

www.buffertanks.co.uk

Ideal Heating Commercial has launched its next generation ECOMOD heat pumps, with natural refrigerant. The first to be released this year is the ECOMOD 290HT, with ECOMOD CO2 to follow.

The ECOMOD 290HT is a monobloc air source heat pump able to achieve high temperatures up to 75°C, whilst benefitting from an ultra-low global warming potential (GWP) of just three as a result of the use of R290 natural refrigerant. An ultra-low GWP is not only good for the planet, but also makes commercial sense as high GWP refrigerants become increasingly scarce and therefore more expensive.

Available in three chassis sizes and five outputs from 15kW through to 50kW, ECOMOD 290HT has been specifically designed for use in larger commercial buildings and can be used in cascade to achieve even higher outputs. This latest generation of heat pumps can also be installed alongside other Ideal Heating commercial solutions, such as the EVOMAX 2 and the IMAX XTRA 2 commercial condensing boilers, to build a low carbon hybrid heating system.

With its ability to achieve high temperatures up to 75°C, ECOMOD 290HT is ideal for Domestic Hot Water (DHW) applications and district heating systems. Furthermore, with potentially no need to upgrade radiators with the ECOMOD 290HT, it is a practical, cost-effective solution for retrofit installations.

ECOMOD 290HT comes with a high efficiency rating and high co-efficient of performance (CoP) rating of up to 4.94. The heat pumps also include an inverter-controlled compressor to accurately match the heat demand based on the specific requirements, further enhancing the efficiency of a building. ECOMOD 290HT heat pumps are quiet in operation, with noise levels as low as 64dB(A).

ECOMOD 290HT models all represent the output at Air 7°C and Water 35°C.

Chris Caton, Product Director – Commercial, at Ideal Heating, comments on the company’s move into natural refrigerants: “We have led the way in commercial heating by ensuring our heating products are at the forefront of technology, quality and design by delivering both high efficiency and low running costs. This latest, innovative addition to our ECOMOD heat pump range, featuring natural refrigerants with ultra-low GWP, will ensure our customers have the best and most advanced solutions for heating and hot water, while helping businesses in the UK on their journey to Net Zero.”

All ECOMOD 290HT heat pumps come with a five-year warranty when commissioned by Ideal Heating. Ideal Heating is the only manufacturer to offer a free of charge commissioning service across its full range of commercial ECOMOD heat pumps and condensing boilers, saving customers time and money, and ensuring appliances are correctly commissioned and operating.

Ideal Heating delivers commercial heating solutions that are at the forefront of technology and developed in line with the latest market trends and legislation. For more information visit: idealcommercialboilers.com/products/ecomod-290ht

Bath and North East Somerset Council have announced a planning policy to reduce carbon emissions and work towards net-zero construction

This approach, in collaboration with the University of Bath, shows six initiatives aimed at achieving net-zero targets through local collaboration.

The report presented by the Key Cities Innovation Network (KCIN) in “Civic Partners in Net Zero“ sets an example of sustainable construction practices across the UK.

Achieving net zero by tackling construction pollution

Since January 2023, the Council has implemented strict local planning policies requiring that all new building developments achieve net zero operational energy. Major developments must also meet an incorporated carbon target, surpassing national building regulations. Bath and North East Somerset were the first UK local authorities to introduce these planning policies.

What happens in our cities – in construction, in transport, in waste processing, in energy consumption – has a major impact in how we reach our net zero targets as a nation

The council worked with the university to review the impact. So far, they found that initial assessments reveal a significant improvement in the projected outcomes of new applications, showing a promising shift towards eco-conscious construction practices. Industry support for the policy aims has been strong, showing a collective commitment to combatting climate change.

Professor Ian White, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bath, praised the joint effort, highlighting sustainability as a priority research theme for the institution.

Initiatives across the UK

The “Civic Partners in Net Zero” report also features other initiatives from across the UK including:

  • Coventry University and Coventry City Council’s new technology enables active recharging of electric vehicles, changing transportation in urban settings.
  • Lancaster University’s collaboration with educators integrates sustainability into everyday teaching, inspiring future generations to embrace eco-friendly practices.
  • Wrexham University allows communities and industries to drive the net zero transition, promoting a culture of environmental management.
  • The University of South Wales explores the potential of biotechnology to support a circular economy by transforming waste into clean energy and fertilisers.
  • The University of Southampton teams up with a theatre company to emotionally engage primary school audiences with climate science.

Cllr John Merry, Chair of Key Cities and Deputy Mayor of Salford City Council, said: “The ideas presented here are important and exciting. Important because what happens in our cities – in construction, in transport, in waste processing, in energy consumption – has a major impact in how we reach our net zero targets as a nation, and we in the Key Cities are determined to play our part. Exciting because they demonstrate the ingenuity in our universities and councils, and the strength of our growing civic partnership across the network. These are ideas we can build on, both as a network and in partnership with our communities, stakeholders and the government.”

Professor Maria Hinfelaar, Vice-Chancellor of Wrexham University, also highlighted the collective effort needed to replicate and upscale these initiatives.

Working towards net-zero-carbon construction

Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council and Deputy Chair of Key Cities, said: “In Bath and North East Somerset, I am proud of the strong and longstanding partnerships we have with our two universities so it is great to see our collaboration with the University of Bath on net-zero-carbon construction so well reflected in the report.

Source: Open Access Government

THE UK government has announced support for 11 commercial green hydrogen projects which will see more than £400m of private capital invested in the UK green economy.

Among the winners of the UK’s first hydrogen allocation round (HAR1) is EDF’s Tees Green Hydrogen project, which gained support for 5.2 MW of green hydrogen capacity in the North East. In total, the awarded projects will deliver 125 MW of new hydrogen for businesses, with the government granting confirmed suppliers a price guarantee for the clean energy they supply.

In return for government support, the successful projects will invest £413m between 2024 and 2026, which is expected to create around 760 direct jobs during construction and operation.

The government said the projects are the largest number for commercial scale green hydrogen announced at once in Europe. It said it represents “the most significant step in scaling up the UK’s hydrogen economy to date – speeding up progress towards the government’s ambition to deploy up to 10 GW low carbon production capacity by 2030”.

Claire Coutinho, secretary of state for energy security and net zero, highlighted the economic opportunity of hydrogen, saying it will unlock “over 12,000 jobs and up to £11bn of investment by 2030”.

The ‘most significant step’ in scaling UK hydrogen

Lord Callanan, minister for energy efficiency and green finance, said:

“Today’s funding commitment represents a monumental step forward in helping producers to deliver a fuel of the future today, backing businesses to go greener. This will be essential to achieving our net zero targets and will benefit people across the UK with the job and investment opportunities that this funding will bring.”

The government also published a delivery roadmap setting out plans for future allocation rounds, opening a second funding round.

A roadmap for hydrogen production

Published yesterday, the production delivery roadmap sets out how government expects the hydrogen production landscape to evolve towards 2035, and the key opportunities and challenges the UK faces.

The roadmap sets out plans for funding allocation rounds in 2025 and 2026. It plans to boost hydrogen capacity up to 1.5 GW across these rounds, and award funding to projects that will help to deliver up to 4 GW of hydrogen enabled by carbon capture, use, and storage (CCUS) – blue hydrogen – as well as 6 GW of green hydrogen by 2030.

The government also acknowledged an important role for production technologies other that CCUS-enabled natural gas reforming and water electrolysis, on the road to scaling up hydrogen in the 2030s. It noted that it has already set out a technology neutral approach to hydrogen approach, encouraging a range of solution so long as they meet the UK’s Low Carbon Hydrogen Standard.

However, it stressed that for other technologies to make a significant contribution in the 2030s “we need to start developing them now”.

The production roadmap comes in response to recommendations made by chair of net zero review, Chris Skidmore, in an independent report published in January. Its recommendations included publishing, by the end of the year, an “ambitious and pragmatic” ten-year delivery roadmap for scaling up hydrogen production, including clear indication of how much capacity it hopes to procure though each future allocation round.

A warm welcome for funding, but money isn’t enough

Clare Jackson, CEO of the trade association Hydrogen UK, said HAR1 and the roadmap were

“important steps forward for the UK’s hydrogen economy”.

She said: “The hydrogen industry welcomes today’s suite of announcements, including the results of HAR1 negotiations that provide crucial support to first mover UK hydrogen projects, and will help kickstart domestic production.”

Ruth Herbert, CEO of the Carbon Capture and Storage Association, also welcomed the announcement.

“These are crucial next steps in the journey towards establishing the UK as a world-leading hydrogen economy, in which carbon capture, utilisation, and storage clusters will play an important part,” said Herbert. “We will continue to work closely with government on the design of the business models and further industry developments.”

Meanwhile, Paul Willacy, managing director of waste-to-hydrogen firm Compact Syngas Solutions, said that while the hydrogen investment was a

“massive step in the right direction” the UK needs the correct infrastructure to support supply.

He said: “Large-scale production projects are at risk of becoming white elephants if they aren’t linked to where the hydrogen is needed, and national infrastructure is still ten years behind where it needs to be. The issues caused by a lack of hydrogen infrastructure could be solved by producing and delivering hydrogen gas at a local level.

“Smaller production facilities dotted around the country would negate the need for costly pipelines and should be part of the government’s plans for the coming years.”

Hydrogen blending

The UK government also announced a decision to support hydrogen blending in certain scenarios. Currently, less than 1% of gas in distribution networks is hydrogen. Under proposals, hydrogen could be blended with other gases in the network as a reserve offtaker, reducing costs in the hydrogen sector by helping producers, and supporting the wider energy system.

The UK notes that though blending could help the UK realise its net zero ambitions, it would be limited and temporary as the country moves away from natural gas.

Britain’s Octopus Energy said on Friday its renewables investing arm had launched a dedicated fund with Japan’s Tokyo Gas (9531.T) to invest 3 billion pounds ($3.7 billion) in offshore wind projects by 2030.

The Octopus Energy Offshore Wind fund, set up with a 190 million pound cornerstone investment from Tokyo Gas, will invest in offshore wind farms as well as companies creating new offshore wind capacity, with a focus on Europe, Octopus said.

The fund will look at both traditional offshore wind turbines and floating turbines.

“The potential to make a positive impact, boost energy security and reduce fossil fuels dependence is massive with offshore wind,” said Octopus Energy Generation Chief Executive Zoisa North-Bond.

Octopus Energy Generation has said it plans to invest $20 billion in offshore wind by 2030, with an aim to boost energy security and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.