February 22, 2024
Heat networks in England and Wales receive £3.5 million for efficiency improvements, benefitting over 5,000 residents

Heat networks in England and Wales receive £3.5 million for efficiency improvements, benefitting over 5,000 residents

£3.5 million is being awarded in Round 4 of the Government’s Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES) to 20 local authorities, housing associations, NHS trusts, universities and private sector organisations. The funding aims to improve the performance of heat networks, so they provide better services to their customers, increased efficiency and

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Energy efficient heating for sustainable living in Sheffield

Energy efficient heating for sustainable living in Sheffield

Taconova installs 229 Heat Interface Units in new residential development A new £37m residential development in Sheffield is benefiting from sustainable and efficient heating, courtesy of Taconova’s market-leading Heat Interface Units (HIUs). The Ironworks: Redefining Urban Living Situated on Scotland Street, the Ironworks has been developed by Rise Homes and

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New Baumit Mobile Training Centre brings learning on the move!

New Baumit Mobile Training Centre brings learning on the move!

Baumit, a leader in energy-efficient and breathable insulation and façades, has developed a new Mobile Training Centre for its External Wall Insulation (EWI), Render and Plaster systems. The Mobile Training Centre is now open for bookings from merchants and tradespeople looking to discover more about the company’s innovative, breathable products

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Case study: Embracing the new era of connected safety

Case study: Embracing the new era of connected safety

When your business involves sending hundreds of workers out to disconnected sites where they could be exposed to dangerous gases, safety should be a top priority. But how can real-time insights and actionable data help enable you to offer your workforce enhanced protection? This was the challenge facing Cappagh Browne

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ID Manchester to revive the Renold building

ID Manchester to revive the Renold building

The ID Manchester partnership has announced plans to reactivate the Renold Building as a home for forward-thinking entrepreneurs and SMEs to develop new ideas and solutions that help tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges. This marks the initial phase of ID Manchester’s ambitious plan to transform The University of

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Latest Issue
Issue 322 : Nov 2024

February 22, 2024

Digital future of signalling on the East Coast Main Line takes major step forward after section commissioning

Digital future of signalling on the East Coast Main Line takes major step forward after section commissioning

The East Coast Digital Programme has taken a big step forward with the renewal of infrastructure successfully commissioned that now enables the Welwyn to Hitchin (W2H) ETCS overlay to be tested and proven, with engineers having worked around the clock between 17-20 February. W2H is Britain’s first instance of infrastructure commissioning towards a ‘no signals’ intercity mainline. The overlay is a critical part of ECDP’s delivery plan. To achieve the end goal of a ‘no signals’ railway on the southern part of the East Coast Main Line, it is necessary to create a section of the route that can be operated with both conventional and digital signalling. Drivers from all ECML operators will progressively be trained to drive in ETCS through the W2H overlay.  Once all fleets are upgraded and all drivers trained, the progressive roll out of digital signalling throughout ECML (South) can rapidly follow. The W2H overlay will be a key enabler not just for ECDP but for the wider roll out of ETCS across the GB network.   W2H commissioning has involved a ‘lite’ resignalling in preparation for system proving of the ETCS system. A new proving desk and Radio Block Centre will be put in place in York ROC, to enable the first overnight proving trains to operate from spring 2024. It is expected that migration to ETCS operations on passenger and freight services through the overlay section will begin in 2025.   The W2H resignalling lite has included existing assets moving to Westrace Trackside System equipment, introducing three new Trackguard Westlock interlockings and associated infrastructure, trackside fringe alterations at Hatfield, Biggleswade, Hertford and Letchworth, and renewing the existing train detection with axle counters. Power works took place in the form of introduction of three new principal supply point feeders and replacing seven existing 650v feeders. Ed Akers, Principal Programme Sponsor for the East Coast Digital Programme, said: “This is a major milestone for the project and I’m incredibly proud of everyone involved in reaching this point. The East Coast Digital Programme will deliver major upgrades for passengers as they travel by train in the future. “To reach this point and to implement digital signalling on the East Coast Main Line has meant a huge amount of collaboration between Network Rail, train operators, and other rail industry stakeholders through our unique industry partnership. “While commissioning Welwyn to Hitchin is a key enabler for the East Coast Digital Programme, it is also a significant step towards the rollout of digital signalling across the network.” Ben Lane, Project Director for Siemens Mobility & Infrastructure Sector Lead ECDP, said: “This delivery is a great testament of the 500+ tenacious people we had on various sites that ensured the safe completion of this programme of works. We can now start a period of system proving, getting us closer to a ‘no signals’ digital railway that will reduce future renewals and maintenances costs, improve reliability for passenger and freight services on the route and provide better return on investment of taxpayers’ money.” A spokesperson on behalf of passenger train operators said: “Our teams have been working hard over the last four days to keep passengers on the move and to get them to their destination as quickly as possible. “We know that changes to services are never ideal and we want to thank our passengers for their patience while Network Rail carried out this vital work.” Maggie Simpson OBE, Director General, Rail Freight Group, said: “It is great to see real progress being made in ETCS development on the East Coast Main Line, with collaboration between freight operating companies, Network Rail and other partners ensuring that the solutions work for rail freight customers.  This is a key step towards full deployment and we look forward to seeing further progress in coming months.” The first stage of ECDP is the Northern City Line (NCL) pathfinder project. This also involves an overlay between Finsbury Park and Moorgate on which Great Northern drivers are progressively being trained to drive in ETCS.  After a series of proving runs and regulatory approvals, the first digitally signalled passenger train operated in November 2023. Currently around a quarter of NCL trains are being operated in ETCS and it is expected that the NCL will be a ‘no signals’ railway from early 2025. The NCL pathfinder is enabling the ECDP to ‘learn by doing’ and the experience being gained by the cross-industry collaboration will be invaluable to the effective delivery of digital signalling on the mainline, starting with W2H. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Conway Point development highly commended at property and business awards

Conway Point development highly commended at property and business awards

One Vision Housing celebrates success as Conway Point development in Birkenhead receives high commendation at the YM Liverpool Property & Business Awards. Located just a two-minute walk from Birkenhead town centre, the development is home to 46 Rent to Buy apartments that have created opportunities for local people to get onto the property ladder. The YM Liverpool Property & Business Awards’ judging panel said: “We are pleased to recognise Conway Point as highly commended in the Best Affordable Housing Scheme category.” “One Vision Housing’s commitment to a fabric-first approach with this development displays a progressive strategy which prioritises sustainability and energy efficiency. The scheme also helps to address a very pressing need for affordable housing solutions in the local area, offering residents an opportunity to secure a place in the community they call home.” they added. One Vision Housing provides over 13.6k homes across the North West and as part of The Sovini Group, is delivering over 1,000 high quality affordable homes across the next five years through its integrated supply chain. Built on brownfield land by Sovini Construction, Conway Point was designed with modern living in mind by Condy Lofthouse Architects and was constructed using a ‘fabric first’ approach that focuses on the reduction of energy consumption, through thermal efficiency and running costs. Apartments all feature environmentally efficient specifications, supplied by local independent building merchant, Sovini Trade Supplies, including toilets, taps, showers, and light fittings, contributing towards the Group’s net-zero carbon commitment. Ian Mitchell, Managing Director of Housing at The Sovini Group said: “Our Conway Point development has delivered our [The Sovini] Group’s vision of a better future, as we created opportunities and changed lives by helping local people take their first step into home ownership. We are grateful to the judges for recognising this impact and look forward to seeing our customers thrive in their homes for years to come.” In addition to delivering 46 new affordable homes, The Conway Point development generated £2.3m in social value, £1.2m in economic value and £70k in environmental value. James Flannery, Director of Construction and Land said: “We are thrilled that our Conway Point development has been highly commended at the YM Liverpool Property and Business Awards for its energy efficient design, as we continue to embrace renewable technologies with an environmentally friendly approach to construction.” “Building a better future for One Vision Housing’s customers by creating sustainable social impact and transforming local communities has and will continue to be central to all our operations.” he added. To learn more about The Sovini Group’s integrated supply chain, please visit sovini.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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RAILPEN APPOINTS CONSTRUCTION PARTNERS ON FIRST TWO CAMBRIDGE DEVELOPMENTS

Railpen appoints construction partners  on first two Cambridge developments 

Railpen, manager of around £34 billion of assets on behalf of the railways pension schemes, has named Skanska and Morgan Sindall as main contractors for the first two of its major developments in Cambridge, Botanic Place, a 540,000 sq ft sustainable office scheme, and Devonshire Gardens, a 120,000 sq ft mixed-use development.  Both projects are being developed by Socius on behalf of Railpen. Skanska, one of the UK’s leading contractors, has secured the £200 million contract to build Botanic Place, which is set to be the most sustainable speculative office scheme outside of London.  Architect AHMM has designed the buildings to achieve BREEAM Outstanding, WELL and Wired Scored ‘Platinum’ ratings.  The workspaces will prioritise energy efficiency to stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer while using 70% less energy than traditional office buildings, and will be powered using renewable energy sources. Inspired by the nearby Cambridge University Botanic Garden, which can be viewed from the offices, the buildings’ quality and specification will be market defining.  The project will also involve preserving the historic public house, The Flying Pig, which is located on the development site, and the creation of 15,000 sq ft of internal amenities, events, and F&B space, alongside 40,000 sq ft of terraces on multiple levels for both private and communal uses. Elsewhere in Cambridge, Railpen has also appointed Morgan Sindall, the British construction and regeneration group, to construct Devonshire Gardens, in a £77 million contract. Devonshire Gardens will comprise a new community connected by a landscaped park, supporting Railpen’s vision to create a majority car-free neighbourhood. Located in the heart of Mill Road, Morgan Sindall will deliver up to 150,000 sq ft of commercial space, 70 apartments, 8,500 sq ft of F&B space, and 1.55 acres of public open spaces. Richard Van Lente, Senior Asset and Development Manager at Railpen, said: “The appointment of both Skanska and Morgan Sindall marks a significant moment within our Cambridge portfolio as we work to deliver best-in-class assets and generate strong long-term returns for our members. We look forward to witnessing these projects come to fruition and continuing our long-lasting commitment to Cambridge with support from the council and key local stakeholders.” Doug Higgins, Development Director at Socius, also commented: “Botanic Place and Devonshire Gardens will be fantastic additions to the community of Cambridge, with Skanska and Morgan Sindall driving forward our shared vision with Railpen to deliver inspiring, sustainable and valuable assets for the city. With their expertise and proficiency, we are on track to provide a new benchmark for other developers and investors to follow, paving the way for an enhanced future within Cambridge and the wider area.” Morgan Sindall is set to begin works on Devonshire Gardens in April, and Skanska is due to start on-site at Botanic Place in July, with estimated completion dates of April 2026 and March 2027 respectively. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Heat networks in England and Wales receive £3.5 million for efficiency improvements, benefitting over 5,000 residents

Heat networks in England and Wales receive £3.5 million for efficiency improvements, benefitting over 5,000 residents

£3.5 million is being awarded in Round 4 of the Government’s Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES) to 20 local authorities, housing associations, NHS trusts, universities and private sector organisations. The funding aims to improve the performance of heat networks, so they provide better services to their customers, increased efficiency and reduced energy costs. This latest announcement of £3.5 million will positively impact 25 heat networks across England and Wales, benefiting 5,700 residents, including students, hospital patients, and other private and public sector occupants. This brings the total funding awarded under HNES to over £28 million. Notably, the news comes as the scheme celebrates its one-year anniversary since opening for applications in February 2023. Furthermore, capital grant funding will result in annual carbon savings of over 422 tCO2e per year over the next 40 years, equivalent to removing the annual emissions of 172 diesel-powered cars, or 6,883 across 40 years. Revenue grant funding will also enable optimisation studies, identifying opportunities for additional carbon savings in the coming years. Swan Housing, an East London and Essex-based housing association, is among the recipients, being awarded almost £700,000 from HNES for the Bow Cross Estate heat network in Tower Hamlets. The funding will benefit 543 residents, enabling improvements to the network’s efficiency levels. HNES support aims to reduce heat losses, providing greater comfort and improved resilience, particularly for low income, vulnerable residents and those at risk of fuel poverty. HNES is an integral part of the Government’s broader Heat Network Transformation Programme (HNTP), focusing on developing new heat networks and improving existing ones. This will aim to encourage further investment in the sector and ramp up the UK’s decarbonisation efforts. The scheme provides both capital and revenue funding to optimise inefficient heat networks, enhancing overall performance for the benefit of residents, and ensuring they are futureproofed. Lord Callanan, Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance, has welcomed today’s HNES funding announcement: “Customers living on heat networks need to get the regular, reliable heating and hot water they are entitled to. This important funding will help upgrade inefficient systems, preventing breakdowns and using less energy, while allowing customers to reduce their energy bills and keep their homes warm. It’s part of our plan to ensure every home in the country can cut their energy use and save money on their bills.” Louise Singleton, Principal Consultant at Gemserv, added: “We’re pleased to announce the success of Round 4, with a significant funding allocation of £3.5 million, just as we celebrate the scheme’s one year anniversary. The diverse range of projects funded in this round is something we are particularly proud of, with the funding set to deliver heightened heat network efficiency for residents in social housing, those within the NHS and students at universities across England and Wales. Funding delivered under HNES plays a crucial role in supporting the transformation of older heat networks into resilient, low carbon heating solutions, strategically preparing for upcoming sector regulations in 2025.” Below is a summary of the projects which have successfully secured HNES funding in Round 4. Capital Grant Funding Capital grant funding will go directly towards covering the cost of operational works to improve the efficiency of existing heat networks. In this round, over £3 million will directly improve the efficiencies of heat networks serving 3,101 residents. Housing Associations and Social Housing Providers Bow Cross Estate Swan Housing Association has been awarded £686,296 for improvements works on the Bow Cross Estate heat network. This funding will be matched with significant additional investment by Swan Housing Association. It will support upgrading the primary heat network pipework and the distribution pumps and control systems at the energy centre. Taken together, these works will mitigate heat losses, enhance network efficiency, and improve overall system resilience, benefitting residents. Local Authorities Philpot Square Heat Network The London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham has been awarded £754,609 for the Philpot Square heat network. The project involves a full upgrade of the network covering the plant room, distribution systems and apartments. New inverter driven pumps, a pressurisation and expansion system, a plant room buffer vessel, new distribution pipework with improved insulation, Heat Interface Units and Thermostatic Radiator Valves will be installed. This will eliminate service interruptions, improve efficiency levels and allow residents to be billed based on usage rather than a fixed fee. Spedan Close Heat Network The London Borough of Camden has been awarded £659,641 for the Spedan Close Heat Network. The project involves a complete upgrade of the whole network to address extremely high numbers of service interruptions. Work will cover the plant room, distribution systems and dwellings, including the installation of inverter driven pumps, distribution pipework with improved insulation, Heat Interface Units and Thermostatic Radiator Valves. This will improve efficiency levels and ensure residents only pay for the heat they use. Private Sector Greenwich Millennium Village Switch2 has been awarded £773,178 for the Greenwich Millennium Village (West) heat network to install 435 new Heat Interface Units, as well as to upgrade insulation on part of the primary network and replace automatic air release valves. This will reduce unplanned outages, improve network performance as well as reduce maintenance costs. First Central First Central Heating Company Limited has been awarded £192,562 for the First Central heat network. Funding will support the introduction of an improved control strategy across the network, replacement of the degasser and pressurisation systems and distribution pumps. It is expected that these works will improve system reliability, reduce heat losses and significantly reduce carbon emissions. Revenue Grant Funding Projects across England and Wales in Round 4 have also been awarded over £413,000 of revenue grant funding to undertake optimisation studies to review the performance of their heat networks and identify areas for improvement. The following organisations have been awarded revenue grant funding for optimisation studies: Housing Associations and Social Housing Providers Wythenshawe Community Housing Group, for the Hollyhedge Court Road heat network. Rochdale Boroughwide Housing Limited, for The Strand Community Hub and social housing heat network. Thirteen Group Limited, for

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Energy efficient heating for sustainable living in Sheffield

Energy efficient heating for sustainable living in Sheffield

Taconova installs 229 Heat Interface Units in new residential development A new £37m residential development in Sheffield is benefiting from sustainable and efficient heating, courtesy of Taconova’s market-leading Heat Interface Units (HIUs). The Ironworks: Redefining Urban Living Situated on Scotland Street, the Ironworks has been developed by Rise Homes and brings much-needed quality rented accommodation to Sheffield. Building work began in January 2021 on the site of the former Queens Hotel, and in September 2023, Rise Homes and Taconova were joined by the Mayor of Sheffield to open the new 12-storey Ironworks building. Inside The Ironworks This development encompasses 229 furnished apartments, comprising 144 one-bedroom, 80 two-bedroom, and 5 two-bedroom duplex units. A focus on sustainability is evident, with each unit connected to the building’s communal biomass boiler-powered heating system. The Heating System Water heated by the basement biomass boiler circulates through the building’s risers and into the Heat Interface Unit (HIU) in each of the 229 apartments. The HIUs ensure efficient and consistent heating and domestic hot water provision, maintaining optimal temperature and flow for the residents. TacoTherm H 3000E: The Core of Heating Each flat features a TacoTherm H 3000E Heat Interface Unit. This HIU is an electronically controlled, compact, and connection-ready all-in-one unit that offers indirect heat transfer for heating and domestic hot water. The 229 HIUs had to be supplied, installed, and commissioned within a three-month window. Taconova delivered 50 HIUs per week, and the contractor installed them in the utility cupboard of each apartment. The TacoTherm H 3000E has been designed specifically for multi-storey residential buildings and provides an operating pressure of 6 bar. It has an operating temperature of 90°C and generates hot water temperatures of up to 60°C. The TacoTherm H 3000E is highly efficient and has an overall Volume Weighted Average Return Temperature (VWART) figure of 26, making it a market leader – as independently tested by BESA (Building Engineering Services Association). More Than Just Hardware One of the standout benefits of opting for an electronically controlled HIU is the availability of data. The initial specification for this project was for Heat Interface Units only. However, the TacoTherm H 3000E offers much more than just hardware. The HIU has a smart meter which enables remote monitoring and analysis of heat consumption. The meter gathers information from across the network, from the plant room to the HIU. With this data, the system’s efficiency can be tracked, and improvements may be made based on the information. Likewise, if there are any inefficiencies or faults, these can be identified, pinpointed, and rectified quickly. The Ironworks management chose to also install the suggested smart heating controls and offer the controls to the residents through a smartphone or tablet app. These controls mean heating can be switched on or off remotely, potentially saving energy. Rigorous Quality Assurance Acceptance Test: Good Performance Before the project was completed, Taconova conducted testing on each HIU. This service formed part of the Taconova’s commitment to ensuring the HIUs function to the correct specification. The testing analysed the operating pressure, temperature, and hot water temperatures in each apartment and measured the overall efficiency of the heating system during a 48-hour period. The results were then measured against set parameters. After Taconova’s engineers had completed the adjustments and remedial work, the tests were conducted again. Improvements were evident and the scheme was performing according to the set design parameters and achieved overall network compliance. On-going Monitoring for Sustainable Living As part of its commitment to customer service and sustainability, Taconova will continue to monitor and improve the heating system for the lifetime of the scheme. It is well documented that the efficiency of a newly built property drops substantially after the first 12-month operation, so it’s important to monitor the efficiency of the whole heating system beyond the initial year. The ongoing monitoring provides complete oversight of the whole system, not just the HIUs. Therefore, it is possible to recommend improvements to ensure that the network remains at the optimum efficiency level. For example, adjusting the plant room temperature during the summer and winter can optimise the system and improve efficiency. As well as providing constant monitoring and improvement suggestions, Taconova will also support Ironworks with annual servicing of the HIUs, as part of the service level agreement. A Greener Future Exciting plans for the future reveal that things could get even greener if the Ironworks development can join the Sheffield City District Heating Network. This district heating network is one of the largest city heat networks in the UK and currently supplies 2,800 homes and 140 commercial buildings, saving 21,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. The focal point of the network is the city’s incinerator which burns 120,000 tonnes of municipal waste each year, producing up to 60MW of thermal energy. With an expansion and improvement to the network, it is hoped that the Ironworks will be able to benefit from the waste heat generated from Sheffield’s incinerator. Joining the network will mean the Ironworks can replace the biomass boiler and utilise waste heat from the network, further enhancing the building’s green credentials. The indirect TacoTherm H 3000E HIU is future-ready and will seamlessly transition to the heat network and deliver efficient heating to the residents in the building. Thanks to the HIU’s pre-fitted heat meter, the residents’ heat consumption will be calculated based on what they use. Switching to the heat network will mean a lower heating tariff compared to the biomass boiler, so residents’ energy bills will also be lower. Innovative heating solutions like Taconova’s indirect TacoTherm H 3000E HIUs are part of the company’s mission to offer reliable, low-maintenance, and highly efficient heating solutions that save customers time, effort, and money. To find out more, please visit: www.taconova.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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HGVC secures new contract to train 54 drivers for building suppliers

MKM Building Supplies Partners with HGVC and Govt Skills Bootcamp to train 54 Drivers

HGV driver training specialist HGVC has been appointed by leading builders’ merchant MKM Building Supplies to train 54 drivers under the Government’s Skills Bootcamps in HGV Driving. Under the contract, HGVC is delivering funded courses, with the Department for Education (DfE) providing a 70% contribution towards the cost of training, with MKM covering the remainder.  MKM Building Supplies is the UK’s largest independent builders’ merchants and is continuing to expand across the UK, reporting a 13% increase in annual revenue last year. The business wanted to upskill existing members of staff to meet growing customer demand and support continued business growth. MKM opted to outsource the training to HGVC, for a fully managed service making use of the HGV Skills Bootcamp funding available from the UK Government. HGVC was able to immediately onboard and book drivers for every element of licence acquisition, make use of government funding and offer training in locations across the UK. James Clifford, CEO of HGVC, said: “Many UK firms that rely on drivers need to ability to ramp up their training capacity quickly in response to business growth. The Government’s Skills Bootcamps allows businesses across any sector to do just that, and we’re delighted to be working with MKM Building Supplies in this programme.” Kerry Hunt, Learning & Development Business Partner, MKM Building Supplies added:“Additional drivers allow us to meet our customer needs more effectively, so this is a critical business issue. We found the whole experience to be very smooth, and the entire process very well organised. HGVC also provided access to monthly and on-request reporting to update the training team on the progress of each delegate, so we had full visibility of where each candidate was on their training journey”. HGVC offers high-quality HGV driver training across more than 400 centres throughout the United Kingdom. Offering both small and large-scale licence acquisition programmes, it is the provider of choice for many companies across the country. HGVC leads the Driver Academy Group (DAG), a consortium comprising workforce solutions group Manpower and trade body Logistics UK. DAG was recently awarded a full extension of its contract with the Department for Education (DfE) to provide training under the Government’s extended Skills Bootcamps in HGV Driving. The scheme will train and place into work thousands more HGV drivers across England over the coming year.  The DfE funding offers a lifeline for both individual candidates and employers dealing with budget constraints given the cost-of-living crisis. DAG has secured funding to train a further 2,160 individuals over the next 12 months. Within the new contract, DAG will deliver funded courses, offering employers a 70% contribution towards the cost of HGV driver training.  Since the launch of the Skills Bootcamps in HGV Driving in December 2021, the DAG has trained around 1,400 drivers. Some 1,070 trainees have now passed their practical test and are ready to drive.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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New Baumit Mobile Training Centre brings learning on the move!

New Baumit Mobile Training Centre brings learning on the move!

Baumit, a leader in energy-efficient and breathable insulation and façades, has developed a new Mobile Training Centre for its External Wall Insulation (EWI), Render and Plaster systems. The Mobile Training Centre is now open for bookings from merchants and tradespeople looking to discover more about the company’s innovative, breathable products and services. The Baumit Mobile Training Centre is fitted out with space for practical demonstrations, meaning it provides similar hands-on application experience to that of the main Baumit Training Academies in Maidstone and Doncaster. Attendees have the convenience of learning about Baumit EWI, Render and Plaster skills in their local area, which means less time is spent away from their business. Attending a training session offers customers numerous benefits. This includes becoming a Baumit approved installer and being able to issue 10 or 25 year system warranties. Other benefits involve gaining an understanding of EWI best practice and receiving expert advice and ongoing support from the Baumit team. John Harrup, Head of Marketing at Baumit UK, said: “Our new Baumit Mobile Training Centre complements our two Academies in Maidstone and Doncaster, whilst offering a scaled down version that still provides local, hands-on learning. Our aim is to ensure Baumit customers have the utmost confidence when it comes to ordering and applying our EWI, Render and Plaster systems.” John added: “We encourage any merchant, stockist or contractor looking to learn more about these products to get in touch. Bringing training to where customers need it most will be a real game-changer for them. The combination of our best-in-class-trainers and practical demonstrations gives those who attend new skills that will help them drive their businesses forward. We are already attracting interest and bookings!” With recent increases in UK energy prices and demand for more sustainable building solutions, Baumit training is welcomed by customers looking to increase their business in thermal performance upgrades with homeowners, local authorities and social housing providers. Baumit External Wall Insulation offers property owners significantly improved energy efficiency, which, along with Baumit Render and Plaster, also offer all the benefits of being breathable. This allows moisture from inside the building to escape, creating a much more comfortable, healthier indoor environment. Attendance at the Baumit Mobile Training Centre costs £100. The one-day Advanced EWI Training Academies at Baumit in Maidstone and Doncaster cost £200. Following payment, customers are issued with a credit voucher for the full amount to be used against future Baumit purchases.  Places at both the mobile EWI Training Centre and Academies are in demand. Customers should check availability and book via www.baumit.co.uk/training For more information on the Baumit products and services, visit www.baumit.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Case study: Embracing the new era of connected safety

Case study: Embracing the new era of connected safety

When your business involves sending hundreds of workers out to disconnected sites where they could be exposed to dangerous gases, safety should be a top priority. But how can real-time insights and actionable data help enable you to offer your workforce enhanced protection? This was the challenge facing Cappagh Browne Utilities Limited, a company specialising in repairing and maintaining wastewater networks across the southeast of England. Learn more about their experience. As managing director of Cappagh Browne, Jeff Birtwhistle plays a key role in helping to keep the sewers of south-east England flowing. With over 30 years’ experience in heavy civil construction, nuclear energy, and utilities, he’s always looking for innovative solutions to help the company improve the service it offers customers – and protect its workforce. So when we introduced our latest generation connected gas connector, the ALTAIR io™ 4 Connected Gas Detector, Jeff was keen for Cappagh Browne to be able to reap the benefits. “When it comes to innovation and new technology, MSA Safety is one of our key and invaluable partners,” he says. The gas detector that is redefining safety management Cappagh Browne was already using a previous generation connected gas detector from MSA Safety that provided certain data for remote monitoring to help protect workers and respond to emergencies.  After experiencing those benefits, he wanted to enhance them even further with real-time data. The ALTAIR io 4 Connected Gas Detector does this, helping to give Cappagh Browne the chance to leverage new MSA Safety technology, improve overall business efficiency and response times, and significantly improve safety for workers. Offering immediate, on-site connectivity The power of the  ALTAIR io 4 Connected Gas Detector lies in its combination of built-in cutting-edge, CAT-M LTE cellular connectivity and integration with the MSA Grid. Part of MSA Safety’s Connected Work Platform, the ALTAIR io4 Connected Gas Detector can be deployed in seconds, right out of the box. What’s more, no IT is required for updates because they are delivered securely from our cloud to your fleet. When the device is in its dock, it knows when it needs a bump test or calibration to be compliant and immediately starts to run the relevant test. And with industry-leading XCELL® sensors it can stand up to tough use in challenging conditions, resistance to extreme temperatures, the ability to withstand a 25-foot drop and a dust and waterproof IP68 rating. Real-time insights Matt Reid, Head of Fleet for Cappagh Browne, says they are already experiencing the benefits of upgrading to the ALTAIR io 4 Connected Gas Detector. “We have over 350 employees working across various remote sites in potentially hazardous environments. So real-time safety monitoring is important,” he explains. “Now, with the ALTAIR io 4, we’re able to use real-time data to establish who to use on a particular job because we can see what exposure they’ve had over the last week.” “We can send one person out to a job and then, if they need help, we can send another person out with an ID tag to ‘fob on’ to the same device. We can then track both people safely within the seven-day period to make sure they don’t exceed their exposure limit.” Keeping workers safe throughout the day Managing Director Jeff Birtwhistle adds that it’s the ability to get immediate feedback when a worker’s exposure limit to dangerous gases has been reached that is taking the company’s safety management to new levels. “Being able to intervene on a worker’s behalf and pull them out of a job to protect them is fantastic. It means we can keep our most valuable asset –our people – safe,” he says. Improving compliance The real-time data and actionable insights offered by the ALTAIR io 4 Connected Gas Detector are also helping to simplify regulatory compliance for Cappagh Browne and enabling supervisors to identify behaviors that don’t meet safety standards, which can help make workers more accountable. Since introducing the solution, the company has experienced zero safety alarms. However, as Matt Reid explains, a worker was able to use the inbuilt alarm to call for help in an unusual situation. “We had an instance where a guy became physically locked out of his vehicle and didn’t have his phone on him. He pushed the alarm button to call for help and we were able to get a second set of keys over to him to unlock the vehicle and get him on the road again.” The partnership with MSA Safety continues Both Jeff and Matt know that at some point in the future they will inevitably be looking for new safety enhancements that they cannot envisage right now. But they are confident that when that time comes, MSA Safety will be there, just as it has been for real-time gas detection monitoring. For now, they are enjoying the enhanced safety that the ALTAIR io 4 Connected Gas Detector offers their workforce. Fleet manager Matt Reid sums up the benefits. “Using ALTAIR io 4 means we can send our employees home safely to their families every night and that Cappagh Browne can see them again every morning when they turn up for another day’s work.” Keen to see what this technology can do for safety management at your business too? Watch our case study video and find out more about how the ALTAIR io 4 Connected Gas Detector is redefining safety. Watch the video to find out more about Cappa Browne’s experience using MSA Safety’s ALTAIR io 4 Connected Gas Detector. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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ID Manchester to revive the Renold building

ID Manchester to revive the Renold building

The ID Manchester partnership has announced plans to reactivate the Renold Building as a home for forward-thinking entrepreneurs and SMEs to develop new ideas and solutions that help tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges. This marks the initial phase of ID Manchester’s ambitious plan to transform The University of Manchester’s former North Campus into a welcoming and accessible new £1.7bn innovation district. The new vision for the Renold Building will celebrate its history as an educational hub by hosting the next wave of science and technology innovators and building an inclusive, purpose-driven community. The building will provide a range of coworking, office and meeting facilities to accommodate and support collaboration between researchers, entrepreneurs, businesses and partner organisations. New events and exhibition spaces, including lecture theatres and a community café, will be accessible to local businesses, community groups and arts and culture organisations to host and participate in events and activities. An application to convert the building from educational to commercial use has been submitted to Manchester City Council by joint venture partners The University of Manchester and Bruntwood SciTech. Pending application approval, the building is set to open in late 2024. Built in 1962, the Renold Building was the first of its kind in the UK to be entirely comprised of lecture theatres and seminar rooms. It is a building of note for many due to its striking features, including the faceted facade and stair tower, and the impressive internal mural on the lower ground floor. The redevelopment will retain and protect these elements as part of the application, as well as being sympathetic to the building’s exterior facades. Design interventions in the building’s interior will also be light touch, preserving the current condition as far as practically possible. This will allow for further conservation and restoration to be undertaken at a later date, ensuring the building will remain viable for future generations. Bradley Topps, Chief Commercial Officer for Bruntwood SciTech and Project Director for ID Manchester, said: “The transformation of the Renold Building into an innovation hub marks an important first step in the development of the trailblazing science and technology ecosystem we’re building at ID Manchester. We recognise the importance of the Renold Building to many in the local community and beyond, and we are committed to reactivating the building in a way that celebrates the rich heritage and architecture of the building. We’re very excited to be creating a new home for the next generation of Manchester innovators.” John Holden, Associate Vice-President, The University of Manchester and Executive Committee Member for ID Manchester, said: “The Renold Building will be an invaluable place to bring together like-minded organisations and partners to collaborate, develop and test new ideas. We’re building our innovation ecosystem from the ground up and the Renold Building will be a place that not only accelerates the growth of our city’s most promising entrepreneurs, SMEs and university spin-outs, but also provides the spaces and opportunities to allow our local communities to participate, experience and benefit from innovation too.” The expertise and experience of ID Manchester’s respective partners will be instrumental to the creation of its innovation ecosystem. Bruntwood SciTech, a joint venture between Bruntwood, Legal & General and Greater Manchester Pension Fund, is the largest dedicated property platform serving the UK’s innovation economy and brings its expertise in developing partnerships across academia, local authorities, cities and the NHS. This year marks The University of Manchester’s bicentenary, celebrating 200 years of key discoveries, world firsts and incredible people, and ID Manchester will build on this storied history of learning, innovation and research. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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