Cabling leader AEI Cables is taking fire performance to new levels with its Total Fire Solutions range of products for the built environment. The development of its Firetec range of cables using the very latest in technology and science offers enhanced fire performance cabling, accessories and technical support from one
Network Rail-approved supplier Scott Parnell has launched its latest product for the rail industry. The ARCOsizeZERO is an elevated troughing system for the easy installation of lightweight fibre optic cables which will form the backbone of the digital age. The new product is an extension of Scott Parnell’s existing ARCOSYSTEM,
Energy Assets Group has appointed Jayson Whitaker to head-up its recently-launched Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO) business – and to extend the utility offer to housebuilders, developers and contractors to include fibre-to-the-home. He joins one of Britain’s leading independent metering, asset management and utility network construction companies as Managing Director
Rising land price over the last few years has added a positive inertia to the development of townships and residential complexes in the major cities and metros around the globe. These vertical residences which are often offered by companies and factories to their employees and workers are taking the place
Nearly half (47%) of construction firms surveyed are still on the journey to GDPR compliance, with only 3% fully compliant by the deadline, according to survey data shared today by Crimson, a UK IT solutions and recruitment company. The data emerges from the 20th annual CIO Survey, created by Crimson’s
Plans to turn every home, office and business into virtual power stations were announced today by Ecolution Group Britain’s fastest-growing supplier of renewable, energy solutions. The launch, supported by an invitation to everyone in the UK and Ireland to #JointheEcolution, will be part of a massive green energy initiative that
There has been a lot of talk in the timber industry about the potential knock-on effects of the Hackitt Review into the Grenfell fire. Now the report is out, we are left in no doubt that regulations will be tightened and enforcement of building standards will move to a higher
Engineering software developer, Envenio, has launched an online BIM (Building Information Modeling) and CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) Survey. The 5-6 minute survey has been designed to collect baseline data directly from industry, and aims to find out more about BIM and the role for CFD in building design and HVAC
AS PART of a £250 million regeneration plan, a new 10 storey, 250 room hotel complex is starting to take shape in Leicester – with completion expected in late 2019. Two national hotel operators – Novotel Hotels and Adagio – have already signed up to operate the 252 bed hotels,
Our homes are currently undergoing some important and exciting changes. The digital revolution is sweeping through them like a wildfire and the result is homes that are smarter, more efficient that don’t leave us to do all the hard work. With that in mind, here we investigate connectivity in the
Cabling leader AEI Cables is taking fire performance to new levels with its Total Fire Solutions range of products for the built environment. The development of its Firetec range of cables using the very latest in technology and science offers enhanced fire performance cabling, accessories and technical support from one source ensuring critical fire-safety circuits can continue to operate in the event of a real fire from 30 minutes up to 120 minutes. AEI Cables says it has listened to customers – with rising concerns at the number of fires in high-rise buildings in Europe and the Middle East - and developed a range of cabling which is future-proof. Stuart Dover, commercial manager for AEI Cables, said: “This development of this range of cabling supports the initiative to make our buildings safer and ensure systems can continue to operate in the event of a fire including fire alarms, voice alarms and emergency lighting circuits. “In a real fire situation, these cables will enable the fire and rescue services to find and evacuate people and help to protect property. At the same time, there is still evidence of non-approved cabling still coming onto the market, and we simply cannot compromise quality of these products being used in these applications.” The AEI Cables Total Fire Solutions’ package offers Mineral Insulated Cables (MIC), Firetec Enhanced or Firetec Power and the full range of accessories for all fire performance applications. Applications for Firetec include residential and commercial buildings, shopping malls, airports and protected buildings with a heritage ensuring that fire alarms, sprinkler systems, building monitoring and security systems can continue to operate in a fire. Successful installation of Firetec has included the Francis Crick Institute research centre in London, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, the White City complex in London and Meadowhall shopping complex, Sheffield. Categories of fire performance are made up of Categories 1 and 2 for means of escape for 30 minutes and then 60 minutes respectively, and these cables are tested in accordance with all relevant codes. Category 3 refers to power and control cables meeting the 120-minute test according to the relevant standards. Only Mineral Insulated Cable (MIC) or an enhanced cable meeting the requirements of BS7846 F120 will meet this criteria. AEI Cables serves key markets in the UK and worldwide including construction, industrial, fire protection, defence, mining and rail. For advice about the Total Fire Solutions service tel 0191 410 3111 or email enquiries@aeicables.co.uk. See www.aeicables.co.uk
Network Rail-approved supplier Scott Parnell has launched its latest product for the rail industry. The ARCOsizeZERO is an elevated troughing system for the easy installation of lightweight fibre optic cables which will form the backbone of the digital age. The new product is an extension of Scott Parnell’s existing ARCOSYSTEM, but with a clear focus on delivering increased capabilities to the industry’s communications network. ARCOsizeZERO is a flexible system made of corrosion-resistant GRP (glass-reinforced plastic) material. It comes in complete six metre pieces which are simply slid into position without the need for loose nuts and bolts – minimising installation time for on-site engineers and thereby reducing the risk from working trackside. Unlike traditional troughing, which is unnecessarily bulky for this application, the latest product is slim yet durable: offering the ideal solution for installation projects in congested areas or over difficult terrain. Troughs can be placed alongside railway lines or mounted to walls for tunnels and bridges, taking up far less space than normal cable-carrying channels. Established in 2012, Scott Parnell is a groundworks and civil engineering products specialist, and a Network Rail-approved supplier of the respected ARCOSYSTEM range of solutions. The organisation’s focus is on researching and creating innovative solutions for the rail sector. Commenting on the new product launch, founder Steve Parnell said: “As populations expand and passenger volumes increase, the supporting systems will demand better connectivity. Telecommunications capabilities will rely on the development of infrastructure to support a modern IP network for track-to-train communications. The ARCOsizeZERO is aimed at meeting these demands, by offering a flexible solution for the distribution of fibre optic cables. “We are delighted to launch this new product with a focus firmly on the future. The system enjoys the same benefits as our existing troughing products, but with the purpose of creating a fast and efficient communications network for both day-to-day rail operations and passenger connectivity.” ARCOsizeZERO can be utilised in conjunction with ARCOSYSTEM Size 1 and Size 2, ensuring the product line is ‘future-proof’ as additional cable capacity can be added after the original installation.
Energy Assets Group has appointed Jayson Whitaker to head-up its recently-launched Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO) business – and to extend the utility offer to housebuilders, developers and contractors to include fibre-to-the-home. He joins one of Britain’s leading independent metering, asset management and utility network construction companies as Managing Director of Energy Assets Networks, which is licensed to own, adopt and operate ‘final mile’ electricity networks. The move coincides with Energy Assets’ plans to add fibre infrastructure to the Group’s network design and operator portfolio. Mr Whitaker brings with him considerable experience in the Competition in Connections (CiC) market, having worked in leadership roles for network operators and supply chain providers. Most recently, he was responsible for the start-up and strong organic growth of Utility Power Systems and Utility Fibre Systems, now part of Wolseley UK Infrastructure. He is also a well-known industry figure, sitting on the Ofgem CiC panel alongside DNOs, IDNOs and customer groups, and is active in the Metered Connections Customer Group, which lobbies for greater market place competition. Jayson Whitaker commented: “I am excited to be taking the lead at Energy Assets Networks at a time of considerable opportunity, given the scale of Britain’s house building plans and the structural changes underway in the UK utility market. With the projected growth in electric vehicles and increasing demand for fibre services, we need design solutions that will future-proof our local networks, embracing the technological advances that will drive operational efficiency.” Since its launch earlier this year, Energy Assets’ electricity network business has grown strongly through partnerships with independent utility construction contractors and residential and commercial developers, thanks to innovations in asset-based finance and in network design, compliance and management. Colin Lynch, Chief Executive Officer of Energy Assets Group, commented: “We are delighted that Jayson will be leading our IDNO and Fibre business. He brings a demonstrable track record of delivering organic growth, which combined with his industry insight and prominence in stakeholder relationships creates exciting opportunities for our network asset expansion across Britain.” www.energyassets.co.uk
Rising land price over the last few years has added a positive inertia to the development of townships and residential complexes in the major cities and metros around the globe. These vertical residences which are often offered by companies and factories to their employees and workers are taking the place of a lucrative alternative in congested living situations. The high-quality amenities offered by these apartments to its residents also serve as another important factor adding to its demand. Today we shall take a look at the best amenities which are provided by the housing accommodations to its residents. Spacious building designs which facilitate multilevel vehicle parking are much favored. Reserved parking space for guests is another practical requirement which should not be missed. Adequate space should be available for conducting business and social gatherings such as a multipurpose or community hall. Some other conveniences which you need to look out for are pre-planned vehicle-free plazas, green rooms for relaxation and well-planned building layout paving the way for maximum access to scenic landscapes and natural light. Our hectic lives filled with stress pertaining to both work and personal lives making it essential to engage in sports and recreation activities for maintaining a proper balance. Gliding in the skating rink or opting for a quick game of table tennis can do miracles in rejuvenating your soul. A multipurpose court or sports arena can include indoor games such as fuss-ball, carom, squash, pool and a large number of other options. Outdoor recreational provisions in the backyard sport court can include basketball, football, badminton, cricket, etc. A hobby room or amphitheater can serve as pure bliss for the residents who wish to engage in cultural activities such as theatre, singing, dancing or poetry. If you are a voracious reader, then make sure that a reading room or library facility is there in the accommodation provided by your company. Coupled with such recreational facilities, you can easily discover the finer side of life amidst the rat race of maintaining your supremacy both at work and play. Can anything be more convenient than purchasing the items of your daily needs from the departmental store which is located just around the corner? We bet not, and that is why it is essential to ensure if the accommodation has a departmental store to cater to your requirements round the clock. The additional value might be added with the presence of provisions for car washing, energy-efficient lobby lights, solar panels to ensure running hot water, etc. Health conscious buyers are bound to look for swimming pools, yoga centers, meditation spaces, spa, cycling and jogging tracks and shaded walkways while moving in an accommodation provided by their company. These amenities can have a tranquilizing effect on our tired and stressed mind by helping us be at peace with our surroundings. Families having small children will be on the lookout for amenities such as sandpit areas, toddler play areas, kid’s swimming pools, etc. in the complex. Real estate experts, however, advise families having kids or infants to look beyond the boundaries of the complex as well. They need to ensure if adequate schools, day-care centers, colleges, and hospitals are present in the vicinity. If you have some senior citizens in your family, then make sure that your housing complex has structural aids for the elderly such as benches and ramps. Easy accessibility to healthcare facilities also becomes a topmost priority in such cases such as the presence of a medical section in the department store within your complex. A modern apartment ensures that the buildings don’t share walls so that you can make the most of your privacy without sacrificing on the important aspects of ventilation and free air flow. Also, make sure that your building has adequate power backup so that you don’t have to take the stairs in the case of a power failure.
Nearly half (47%) of construction firms surveyed are still on the journey to GDPR compliance, with only 3% fully compliant by the deadline, according to survey data shared today by Crimson, a UK IT solutions and recruitment company. The data emerges from the 20th annual CIO Survey, created by Crimson’s parent company Harvey Nash in partnership with KPMG. The survey polled 3,958 IT leaders across 84 countries and a range of industries. Across all sectors, operational risk and compliance, and data security are the two biggest growth areas of concern for the board. Managing operational risk and compliance was named as a key priority by 38% of IT leaders, an increase of 12% from 2017. On 25 May 2018, the European Union General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into force, introducing severe penalties for any data breaches affecting EU citizens that result from non-compliance. Fines can be as high as EUR20 million, or 4% of global annual revenue for the previous financial year, whichever is higher. Yet, construction firms are lagging in their compliance. On average, 38% of firms across all sectors were on track to miss the deadline when the survey was conducted. In construction, 47% reported they would still be on the journey, and 50% expected to be mostly compliant. Only 3% expected to be fully compliant, the lowest of any sector studied, and significantly behind the leaders in telecommunications (29%), technology (27%) and oil and gas (27%). Construction firms are particularly exposed to the risk of data breaches, with 41% of them saying they have been subject to major IT security or cyber attacks in the last two years, considerably higher than the global average of 33%. Construction and engineering companies consider themselves slightly better prepared than average to identify and deal with cyber attacks. Only 11% of construction companies say they are not well prepared, compared to the global average of 14%, and figures of 22% for education, 20% for oil and gas, and 15% for manufacturing and automotive. Despite underperforming in GDPR compliance, 54% of IT leaders in the construction sector have seen salary increases, putting them in second place behind the leisure industry (56%), and significantly above the global average of 46%. Across all sectors, cloud investment continues to grow, with 70% of IT leaders characterising their investment as significant or moderate. By way of contrast, headline-grabbing technologies blockchain and virtual reality are only attracting a similar level of commitment in 10% of companies. Many organisations struggle to manage customer-focused capabilities. Only 27% said they were very effective at measuring profitability by customer, and just 26% were very effective at creating engaging customer experiences. Half said they were not at all or only slightly effective at achieving a single view of customer interactions across all service channels. “Having fragmented customer data makes it harder to create consistent and engaging customer experiences, and can make it difficult to meet GDPR compliance requirements,” said Mark Britton, Head of Marketing, Crimson. “Construction companies can see their compliance project as an opportunity to migrate to a single, consistent customer relationship management (CRM) solution. Having a single view of the customer helps to achieve actionable insights, and helps to ensure customers have the smoothest experience in their dealings with you.” To download the Harvey Nash / KPMG CIO Survey 2018, courtesy of Crimson, please visit https://www.hnkpmgciosurvey.com/
Plans to turn every home, office and business into virtual power stations were announced today by Ecolution Group Britain’s fastest-growing supplier of renewable, energy solutions. The launch, supported by an invitation to everyone in the UK and Ireland to #JointheEcolution, will be part of a massive green energy initiative that will link together photovoltaic panels, smart energy storage units and EV (electric vehicle) charging points. In short – it will give every home, office and business the opportunity to store, share and sell green energy, totally transforming the way we generate electricity and the way we use it in our houses, in our companies and on the road. Ecolution, supplier and installer of photovoltaic panels and EV charging points, has partnered with HYCUBE, the German manufacturer of smart energy storage units, to produce virtual power station solutions that can be adapted to fit the needs of every type of building – regardless of size. “What we are talking about is nothing short of an energy revolution,” said Andrew Knapp, Ecolution Chief Executive. “We call it #JointheEcolution because it is literally that – a revolution in green energy that makes it possible and affordable for the very first time to combine electricity generation with smart storage and distribution.” “We are literally putting the power into the hands of everyone as a first major step towards energy independence. It starts here and it starts today.” The Ecolution/HyCube system gives the building owner total flexibility. The Sun supplies the green energy which charges up the storage unit with FREE electricity. This ingenious technology is encased within a smart, modular design, enabling this game-changing energy provider to become part of the furniture. When the unit is fully charged any additional power can be sold on to the national grid or shared with other Ecolution/HyCube users Thousands of similar systems have already been successfully installed across Europe and Ecolution believe that British householders and businesses will also wish to #JointheEcolution with prices for a full system in an average house from £8,000. Ecolution, with existing offices in Kent and Norfolk, is investing heavily in the business with plans to open a network of sites nationwide over the next two years. Ecolution and Hycube are re-energising the way we use power; leading the charge for a greener, cleaner tomorrow. They are ready to put the power in your hands – are you? #JointheEcolution Visit: www.ecolutiongroup.com
There has been a lot of talk in the timber industry about the potential knock-on effects of the Hackitt Review into the Grenfell fire. Now the report is out, we are left in no doubt that regulations will be tightened and enforcement of building standards will move to a higher level. Use of combustible cladding in high-rise construction was not banned in the review recommendations, although the government will consult on such a move. In light of the pressure for a ban from multiple groups, including RIBA, building firms and Grenfell survivors, it would not be surprising to see a ban still go ahead. But it is poor building practice and installation work and inadequate enforcement of Building Regulations that are at the heart of the matter. Timber cladding was not involved in the Grenfell fire, and though it has been used on some notable high-rise projects, its use is more commonly low to medium-rise. But as has been warned by Timber Trade Federation president Charles Hopping in his industry talks up and down the country these past months, timber cladding and other wood products are inevitably being pulled into the debate because of the focus on combustibility. The building industry is clearly going to have to up its game to deliver products that are fit for purpose and we can expect a higher level of scrutiny of how products and systems perform and are installed even if they are not high-rise applications. So, close working across the supply chain between timber product suppliers and their customers, enhanced testing and a clear united message from the timber industry will be required in dealing with the fallout from this review. Suppliers will need to be prepared to further their efforts to understand the applications for their products and improve the flow of information and technical advice further down the supply chain to safeguard the continued specification of their products. Because one thing is abundantly clear from Grenfell: you can’t rely on people down the chain to always do the right thing. British Woodworking Federation CEO Iain McIlwee welcomed the review recommendations and said a deeprooted problem existed in the building industry regarding fire safety. He cited the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s new guidance that encouraged an emphatic endorsement of UKAS-accredited third-party certification of product and competence of installation, with inspection picked up as fundamental to fire safety reform. The recommendation of tougher penalties in the Hackitt Review underlines the fact the landscape has been forever changed by Grenfell and it will impact all areas of the construction sector.
Engineering software developer, Envenio, has launched an online BIM (Building Information Modeling) and CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) Survey. The 5-6 minute survey has been designed to collect baseline data directly from industry, and aims to find out more about BIM and the role for CFD in building design and HVAC system optimization. “The results will enable us to better understand how BIM and CFD tools are being used, and identify new areas where they could be used” says Scott Walton, VP of Envenio. Respondents will be automatically entered into a prize draw to win $500 worth of compute time on Envenio’s cloud hosted, on-demand CFD platform EXN/Aero. Advances in both BIM and CFD technology have enabled complicated building models to be digitally constructed with precise geometry and accurate information to support the project construction, fabrication, analysis and procurement activities. Mapping 3D flow patterns, evaluating occupant thermal comfort, and predicting contaminant dispersion are just some of the reasons more and more in the built environment have been turning to CFD as a general purpose flow simulator, and engineers are using CFD to trial new design ideas at low cost or to identify problems with existing systems during retrofits. The survey will ask questions about existing BIM and CFD use, identifying current attitudes and perceptions, training and usability issues, and costs. Results from the survey will be shared in September. The survey can be accessed by clicking here.
AS PART of a £250 million regeneration plan, a new 10 storey, 250 room hotel complex is starting to take shape in Leicester – with completion expected in late 2019. Two national hotel operators – Novotel Hotels and Adagio – have already signed up to operate the 252 bed hotels, which are being delivered by Charles Street Buildings Group (CSB), with national property, construction and infrastructure consultancy Pick Everard delivering mechanical and electrical engineering (M&E), structural engineering and quantity surveying (QS) services for the project. Graeme Milligan, national director at Pick Everard said: “Pick Everard has been delivering projects in Leicester for more than 150 years, so this is a project we’re particularly invested in. “We’re working to quite a tight, complex site so the plans – as well as the delivery itself – has had its challenges. We managed to negotiate this by an organised road closure, with a significant level of traffic management in place and the installation of tower cranes. “It has been important to consider how the development would fit into the local area so we’ve been working closely with the architects – Leach Rhodes Walker and Stephen George Partnership – to make sure that the look and feel of the city remains but is suitably enhanced and the public realm is improved upon. “Energy efficiency has been considered as being of paramount importance for new hotels. The lifecycle of the buildings has been taken into account, with future maintenance and running costs factoring into the designs to ensure that it makes as little environmental impact as possible – while remaining aesthetically pleasing. “From an M&E perspective, the designs included thermal modelling, which benefitted from the concrete mass of the building. Daylight analysis was also used throughout which influenced the final façade treatment. “We also had to factor in the acoustic elements of the individual rooms and conference facilities, which all have stringent planned noise and straight noise levels to ensure that the guests’ experience is the best it can be. The ground floors of each building really do have the ‘wow factor’, creating a strong first impression upon guests and feature creative uses of lighting and architectural features. “As a multi-disciplinary practice, with considerable experience in the hotel and leisure sectors, we’ve saved time and money through efficiencies gained by integrated working practices that are very specialist and not widely used in the industry. “We’re incredibly proud to be involved with this project and look forward to seeing the new hotels in use next year, bringing more tourism and business into the city.”
Our homes are currently undergoing some important and exciting changes. The digital revolution is sweeping through them like a wildfire and the result is homes that are smarter, more efficient that don’t leave us to do all the hard work. With that in mind, here we investigate connectivity in the home. Broadband Connections The story starts with our broadband connections. Broadband is getting faster and the ways it is being used in the home is becoming increasingly sophisticated. No longer do we have a single device hardwired to the internet we have hubs that allow us to use multiple devices from any room in the home that we choose. There has been great progress in terms of how we set up wireless internet hubs, wireless power outlets for instance mean that there is a network of hubs throughout our living spaces and thus the signal is more consistent. And our internet hubs now also offer us the opportunity to connect appliances and other household items using the internet of things. The Internet of Things It is estimated that by 2020 there will be around 20 billion connected devices worldwide and that includes many of the appliances we have in our homes. Our heating systems, for example, will be connected to the internet, where they can be programmed, controlled and made to work more efficiently – so too the lighting. Our fridges will be able to regulate themselves and send messages to us. There are several ways in which all this technology will be controlled, such as our smartphones or tablets. The most interesting notion, however, is that of being able to control things using voice recognition and artificial intelligence. Alexa Switch on the Lights Devices like the Amazon Echo highlight just how far technology has come in terms of voice recognition and artificial intelligence, but there is so much more to come. The technology has almost limitless applications – imagine being able to run a bath by just using a simple vice command or locking all the windows and doors before retiring to bed. Future Proofing Your Home For those who own their own homes, keeping a close eye on the ways we can apply connectivity in them is becoming paramount and helps when it comes to future proofing the property, adding value and ultimately saving money and protecting the environment. For those who are looking to buy a property the message is simple, think smart and invest in a smart home.