October 22, 2024
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Issue 323 : Dec 2024

October 22, 2024

NHDG joins forces with Futurebuild and Innovate UK for the big retrofit challenge

NHDG joins forces with Futurebuild and Innovate UK for the big retrofit challenge

The National Home Decarbonisation Group, in partnership with Futurebuild and Innovate UK, has launched its Big Retrofit Challenge, a bold new competition aimed at unearthing game-changing solutions in home decarbonisation. The Big Retrofit Challenge offers a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs and companies to showcase their innovations in front of key industry players and get their ideas to the market. The innovations that come through the competition should aim to either directly address central challenges to the sector or improve wider processes for the delivery of projects that help consumers live in healthier homes, tackling issues such as exposure to damp and mould and alleviating fuel poverty. The judges are looking for innovations that go beyond just products, including new systems, approaches, solutions, and processes that contribute to creating healthier homes. Entries are open to UK-registered businesses that have an annual turnover of £15 million or less, with priority being given to less established organisations. The submitted solutions must be suitable for retrofitting or renovating existing homes or non-residential properties. While solutions designed for new builds are also welcome, they must demonstrate applicability to retrofit projects as well. Six shortlisted winners will have the chance to pitch their solutions on stage at Futurebuild’s National Retrofit Conference, and attend a networking morning to showcase their innovation to NHDG members with each winner having allocated slots to network directly with its members. Winners will also be given the exciting opportunity to discuss with NHDG members the potential of piloting their technology on a live decarbonisation scheme, accelerating their path to market and turning ideas into reality. It offers shortlisted winners a unique opportunity to actively work with the private sector to deliver retrofit.   Paul Rogers, National Decarbonisation Manager at CLC Group, and member of the National Home Decarbonisation Group who are managing The Big Retrofit Challenge on behalf of the team, said: “By collaborating on the Big Retrofit Challenge, we are supporting the discovery and implementation of solutions that address the urgent need for greener, healthier homes. This competition will help unlock innovations that reduce fuel poverty, improve living conditions, and advance the UK’s decarbonisation agenda.” Mat Colmer from Innovate UK, and Senior Innovation Lead for Construction and Net Zero Heat at UK Research and Innovation, also commented on the competition: “Innovation is key to solving the complex challenges we face in home decarbonisation. The Big Retrofit Challenge provides a crucial opportunity for cutting-edge solutions to be tested and scaled, ultimately helping the UK meet its net zero targets while improving the quality of housing for consumers.” Martin Hurn, Event Director at Futurebuild, said: “The Big Retrofit Challenge is about turning bold ideas into impactful solutions. We are excited to partner with Innovate UK and the National Home Decarbonisation Group to create a powerful platform where innovators can showcase their game-changing technologies that will accelerate the decabonisation of homes across the UK.” The Big Retrofit Challenge is an inspiring step towards transforming the UK’s housing sector and achieving net zero goals. By fostering bold innovation and collaboration, the competition aims to deliver real-world solutions that will make an impact on the environment and communities across the country. Enter now for your chance to make a real impact. Further criteria and guidelines are found on the application form. The competition will close at 11am on Thursday 28th November 2024. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Height Restriction Barriers for Car Parks: Ensuring Safety and Compliance

Height Restriction Barriers for Car Parks: Ensuring Safety and Compliance

Height restriction barriers are an essential feature of car parks for safety reasons, so compliance with height restrictions can be enforced. These barriers will keep tall vehicles away from areas typically made for standard-sized vehicles, hence saving you from possible damages and accidents in every shape or form.  This blog will go into detail on the reasons why these barriers are important, their advantages, and critical elements to keep in mind when deploying them efficiently. Advantage of Height Restrictions for Car Parks Enhancing Safety The most common use for height restriction barriers is safety, especially within car parks. Barriers that contain access to oversized vehicles help reduce the costs of damage control, such as crushed ceilings, pierced beams, and other structural elements. This is easier said than done; otherwise, tall vehicles running into low-clearance areas risk accidents that result in expensive damages to be repaired and potentially dangerous situations for other users. As a result, height restrictions offer preventative measures to protect the tenants and property. Smooth Traffic Flow Height restriction barriers mean efficient traffic flow. If larger, unauthorized vehicles try to move within regular-sized vehicles designed for parking spaces, it can become impossible. These disruptions can be prevented from occurring with height barriers, which can help ensure a smooth passage of traffic and decrease any risks of traffic jams or crashes happening on site. This, in turn, improves the overall user experience, facilitating easy access to and from car parks. Compliance with Regulations Compliance is everything for car park operators. Certain areas have overtly stated regulations about vehicle height. Height restriction barriers are used to ensure the operator meets these legal obligations, avoiding financial penalties and legal complications. The barriers are updated on an ongoing basis, which displays continuous safety and regulatory compliance. Versatility in Design Everyone has a different feel, and various height restriction barriers are available to suit your requirements, design style, and budget. Some of these are fixed and will permanently solve any exposure problem, while others are adjustable to suit your different needs. The Junker sliding barriers can also be tailored to fit the car park’s design concept, so they become part of a harmonious whole. Their flexibility permits operators to select the best barrier for their surroundings. Durability and Maintenance The durability of height restriction barriers is a significant concern. Heavy-duty materials like steel or aluminum also speak to longevity and will hold up against the elements even if you use your seat often. But with routine maintenance, such as checking for and repairing any wear and tear or repainting, you can significantly increase the life of your barrier. Improved strength and more permanent barriers are justified not only by the costs but also by the fact that they may be necessary to operate continuously. Signage and Visibility Signage and visibility are very important for height restriction barriers. Not only are the signs clearly readable and in a good location, but they also give drivers enough ample warning to not end up changing their minds at last, possibly creating potential accidents. Light or reflective tip material can make a big difference in terms of visibility, especially during early mornings and evenings. Signage is necessary so that drivers know about restrictions in advance and can stay safe and not get a ticket. Implementation Considerations When deploying height restriction barriers for car parks, several factors must be considered to balance these trade-offs. First, examining the car park and its average vehicle height can provide insight into the appropriate limit. Additionally, consulting with car park designers and structural engineers can help determine the most effective locations for the barriers. Involving stakeholders, such as end-users and local agencies, in the design process can lead to more user-friendly solutions that gain wider acceptance. Conclusion Having height restriction barriers in place is crucial to keep people safe, to ensure that traffic flows freely, and to ensure overall compliance. Not only can they be designed to meet a variety of applications, but their durability and necessity for the use of signage also make them invaluable for efficient car park management. By taking into account variables such as the average height of vehicles, referring to experts, and keeping the environment in mind, car park administrators can introduce barriers that will ensure a safer and more usable space for everyone.

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