Archive for category: News

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 

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.

Britain’s leading independent air movement specialist Gilberts is leading the class in helping deliver net zero educational and commercial buildings by 2050.

The company’s Mistrale Fusion Deo MFS-HR hybrid ventilation with heat recovery system has exceeded sales targets by more than 250% since its launch 18 months ago. In that time, it has also been short-listed for two top industry awards.

Demand for the product is due to its outstanding performance compared to alternatives- offering 65% heat recovery as standard! The high levels of heat recovery mean that it reduces the overall construction and running costs for the building and opens potential for the building to be carbon negative.

Independent data reveals that Gilberts MFS-HR delivers energy savings of up to 20%. It can reduce solar panel and/or heat pump required output by 7%. It achieves air leakage below 3m/3ph/m2. Its U value is below 1.0W/m2/°C. Further, it is BB101 ventilation, BB93 acoustic and TM52 comfort compliant. 

British designed, engineered and manufactured, MFS-HR features adjustable flow and noise rates/levels to optimise suitability for specific classroom requirements. Integral CO2 monitoring and controls guarantee compliant indoor air quality in line with Department for Education guidelines. 

Gilberts’ MFS-HR’s attraction to specifiers results from more than its performance.

Considerate design means MFS-HR is easy to install/attach to the through-façade air intake/extract louvres. MFS-HR can function as a stand-alone unit or whole zone/whole building system, ducted or fitted above ceilings. With optional heating/cooling, MFS-HR removes the need for supplementary plant, further positively impacting capital equipment and running costs. 

“Our reputation over the past 60+ years has been built on innovation, quality and giving the market what it wants and needs,” says Ian Rogers, Gilberts Sales Director. “We knew Mistrale Fusion Deo MFS-HR was ahead of the game when we first began developing the concept. Its success has surpassed our expectations, demonstrating British manufacturing is still world class.”

Details of Gilberts’ Mistrale Fusion Deo MFS-HR system can be found @ 

https://gilbertsblackpool.com/natural-ventilation-solutions/hybrid-recovery/

AMC Hospital, which is the largest healthcare facility in the Netherlands, has undergone a major renovation, which has modernised the 1,000-bed facility with a clear focus on enhancing the safety and well-being of staff and patients. 

At the heart of the transformation was the replacement of over 10,000 m² of out-dated wired glass, bringing the hospital in line with the highest industry standards, while achieving a state-of-the-art, contemporary aesthetic.

As part of the renovation, the decision was made to replace all existing wired safety glass with new, transparent glazing solutions from fire safety glass manufacturer Pyroguard, to ensure that the hospital adhered to current industry standards. This upgrade also addressed long-standing challenges with maintaining accurate product data records for the glass partitions and doors, many of which had been extended or replaced over the years without clear traceability. By upgrading the glass throughout the facility, AMC Hospital not only enhanced its aesthetic appeal and improved safety standards but also ensured data consistency across the entire site.

MedicomZes, a specialist in hospital construction and renovations, was entrusted with overseeing the project, while Glasdesign were appointed to fabricate and install the glazing systems. Given the scale and complexity of the project – set within a sensitive healthcare environment – MedicomZes approached Pyroguard as a trusted manufacturer with the capability of providing the required quantities of fire-resistant glass, whilst also meeting the hospital’s stringent safety, design and performance standards.

Stefan van Gerven, Pyroguard’s Regional Sales Director, said: “During initial discussions, concerns arose about the compatibility of the existing timber frames with the new fire safety glass and the corresponding load requirements. We collaborated closely with Peutz, a specialist consultant, to test the existing frames as part of a complete system. This is where our extensive library of technical data proved instrumental, as we were able to confirm that the original timber could be retained, with the findings forming a key part of the renovation plans.

“Considering the scale of the project and the volume of glass required, we also recommended a sampling exercise to evaluate the potential glass types that could meet the specified criteria. This process allowed both the architect and building management team to make a more informed decision. An additional consideration for the architect was the need for a fire safety glass solution that would enhance privacy for both patients and staff, through the use of a satin finish.” 

Following the sampling exercise, Pyroguard Rapide (Impact 7mm and Impact Satin) was specified for the internal partitions throughout the hospital, incorporating both clear and satin fire safety glass. Pyroguard Protect (Pyroguard T EW30 and T EI30) was installed in areas requiring larger, bespoke pane sizes, delivering exceptional fire protection while aligning with the architect’s vision for aesthetic design.

Peter Blankers, Projectmanager at MedicomZes added: “Working with Pyroguard has been instrumental in ensuring we met the hospital’s safety and aesthetic goals. Their technical support and ability to address the specific challenges of the healthcare environment were invaluable. The final result not only enhances the safety of the building but also contributes to a modern and welcoming environment for patients and staff.”

Throughout the project, it was crucial that the building remained operational to minimise disruptions to patients and staff. Glasdesign successfully completed what is only the first phase of the project on time, with the project scheduled for full completion in a few years. 

For more information about Pyroguard, please visit www.pyroguard.eu

A package of Altro products has been used in the Imber Ward at Salisbury District Hospital, a new, environmentally-sustainable facility. providing extra bed capacity for elderly care patients. Imber Ward is housed in the Elizabeth Building, named in honour of the late Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The new £14m building provides 24 additional beds in a state-of-the-art ward, incorporating a mixture of four-bed bays and side rooms., and was part- funded by the hospital’s charity, the Stars Appeal.

A combination of Altro floors and walls was used throughout Imber Ward. Altro Illustra, Altro Suprema and Altro Operetta floors provide safety, natural aesthetics and ease of cleaning. Altro Wood provides a homely, welcoming feel and Altro Whiterock Digiclad (Custom) was used for the walls creating an individual design focus for the ward and quiet room. Altro Pisces and Altro Whiterock Satins and Altro Whiterock White were installed in the bathrooms, showers and wet rooms, giving staff and patients the reassurance of bare foot and shod safety from slips, and easy to clean hygienic walls.

Lesley Self, Salisbury District Hospital’s ArtCare Projects Officer and Julia Gregory from the hospital’s Estates Capital Projects Team used focus groups with patients, families, visitors, and clinical teams to inform the design of the new ward. The interior reflects the colourful four seasons, incorporating local landscapes with photos and drawings. Walls and floors have a biophilic theme and are customisable with digitally printed images. Unique, customised rooms aid wayfinding, ensuring each room is distinct.

Catering for elderly patients with complex needs, the design principles of creating dementia-friendly environments were vitally important. Lesley Self, ArtCare Projects Officer, says: “Patients may experience disorientation while navigating the area, so integrating wayfinding into the overall design concept was essential. Understanding these needs was part of the design process, but also helping staff take ownership and care of the spaces by understanding why design is important to them and how amazing it can look.” 

Imber Ward is the biggest capital development at Salisbury District Hospital in nearly 20 years. It provides 24 additional beds, featuring a mix of four-bed bays and side rooms, that enable elderly patients recovering from surgery to be cared for in a dedicated space tailored to their needs. By providing extra bed capacity, Imber Ward underpins the hospital’s elective recovery programme, as in turn this allows surgical beds to be better utilised to deliver much-needed elective care such as day surgery. The ward marks a major milestone in Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust’s efforts to deliver the very best compassionate, effective care to the community. 

Altro products have been used over the years in a wide range of projects at Salisbury District Hospital. Lesley Self says: “We have always used Altro products as they are great for clinical environments being versatile and providing a safe hygienic, softening finish. We know that these products will be in place for at least 20 years, so they need to be durable, flexible, and able to match changing colour schemes.”

The package of products from Altro included:

Altro Illustra: available in a range of contemporary and flexible designs, this stylish, functional and design-led safety flooring has enhanced sustained slip resistance. 

Altro Suprema: award winning, non-sparkle, low-gloss safety floor with superior stain, abrasion and scratch resistance. 

Altro Wood: a general purpose 2mm wood-effect vinyl safety floor available in a range of designs with different plank sizes and shades. 

Altro Whiterock Digiclad (Custom): a custom print option utilising UV cured inks onto an Altro Whiterock sheet from a design or photographic image. 

Altro Pisces: a domestic-look specialist floor for a “home from home”, warm feel in wet rooms and bathrooms. Altro Operetta has designer looks with 4dB sound reduction. 

Altro Whiterock Satins: a colourful and tonal, satin finish wall sheets with all the hygiene and durability of Altro Whiterock. 

Altro Whiterock White: a proven, high performance, hygienic alternative to ceramic tiles.

Find out more about Altro’s flooring and walling solutions for hospitals here:  https://www.altro.com/uk/sectors/health-and-care/hospitals