Panics come and panics go in the pragmatic world of engineering. It is part of the job to identify potentially intractable problems – and then bend the collective mind to creating a practical solution to them. That is why the current disquiet over RAAC in a number of public buildings
This month SKArating is announcing an exciting change in its leadership and governance, as well as new plans to scale up to support the growing need to reshape sustainability in the fit-out world. Developed in 2008 to help landlords and tenants systemise sustainability and assess fit-out projects against a practical
Architects and designers face a significant challenge in the ever-changing world due to climate change. They play a vital role not just in creating visually appealing structures but also in ensuring resilience and adaptability to environmental shifts. Rising temperatures, heightened extreme weather events, and changing precipitation patterns are becoming more
New whitepaper explores how to identify and mitigate fire risks for flat roofs functioning as additional social or practical spaces of a building, including for solar installations The role of the roof in modern building design has expanded significantly in recent years. Now ROCKWOOL® has published a whitepaper aimed at
The ISO 9001 certification covers all of Farasis Energy Europe’s business processes. These include business development, purchasing, finance, product development, project management, operations, quality assurance, logistics, human resources, IT, calibration and maintenance. Strategic planning and after-sales services were also audited. The audit process lasted several days. As a result, the
With pressure for major construction projects growing across the UK, a new report is encouraging mechanical services contractors, specifiers and developers to accelerate the uptake and deployment of offsite construction techniques, particularly when it comes to building services. The UK is currently falling short of its annual target to build
Potentially one of the biggest news stories that broke in 2023 was the one about RAAC – Reinforced Autoclaved Aeriated Concrete. This method of construction was widely used from the mid-1950s through to the early 1990s. The predicted lifespan of this type of concrete from installation to expected potential failure
Exclusive National Portrait Gallery event provides backdrop to book launch Leading construction and fit-out contractor, Gilbert-Ash has launched the second volume of its Landmark Landscapes publication at an exclusive event at the National Portrait Gallery. The beautifully designed book features a bespoke collection of standout buildings Gilbert-Ash has worked on
Choosing and installing the correct passive fire protection system can be confusing – with a range of application requirements, legislation and a host of products to choose from. Here, Ken Francis, Technical Support Manager at Promat, talks us through some of the most frequent questions posed to him and the
According to recent data, in 2022, the aviation industry accounted for 2% of all CO2 emissions. Over the past few decades, flying has developed much more than roads, rails and shipping. Following the days of the pandemic, when people couldn’t even leave their homes, let alone travel, the number of
Panics come and panics go in the pragmatic world of engineering. It is part of the job to identify potentially intractable problems – and then bend the collective mind to creating a practical solution to them. That is why the current disquiet over RAAC in a number of public buildings throughout the UK needs to be kept in perspective. If you subsisted only on a diet of mainstream media, you could be forgiven for thinking the entire built estate was on the point of imminent collapse. For clarity, this is not the case. Yes, RAAC – Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete – exists in a number of buildings, but the number is small in comparison to the totality of schools (more than 20,000 in England), hospitals and other public buildings, and most closures are precautionary, rather than evidence-based. But first of all, what is RAAC? It is an aerated lightweight cementitious material with no coarse aggregate, looking in cross-section a bit like the inside of an Aero bar. When it was introduced to the UK from Scandinavia in the reconstruction period after the war, it was hailed as an innovative wonder material. In fact, if RAAC planks – the technical name for the concrete panels – in a building are properly protected, there is a maintenance schedule and there is no sign of water ingress, the roof will likely be fine and the facility can continue to be used. According to construction and engineering materials expert Professor Chris Goodier of Loughborough University, RAAC is still manufactured and installed all over the world and can be an appropriate construction material if properly designed, manufactured, installed and maintained. The problems arise in situation where maintenance has been neglected over the course of years, or indeed decades. In buildings from the fifties, sixties and seventies, when RAAC was used freely, maintenance regimes were not as comprehensive as they are now and users did not know what to look for or what to do. Given that the material was lightweight and economical, it is hardly surprising that many manufacturers were happy to supply it – with the best of intentions and with no foreknowledge of the issues which would rear their heads further down the line. Although local authorities have been aware of RAAC in their buildings for some time, things came to the boil a year ago when the Office of Government Property sent a Safety Briefing Notice to all Property Leaders, regarding the dangers of RAAC, stating that “it is now life-expired and liable to collapse”. It put the onus squarely on those responsible for the management, maintenance or alteration of central and local government buildings to know whether their buildings contain RAAC and, where they do, to act appropriately to ensure that such buildings are deemed safe. How can those concerned go about this? The first step is inspection, either by a surveyor or a structural engineer. Both are professionals who will act in the client’s interest, the difference being that the former will identify problems while the latter will also propose manageable solutions. Inspection is eased by the fact that most RAAC planks are in flat roofs on single-storey buildings. Drones can give a clear picture of the roof covering and heat sensors can check if water has penetrated. If there is water ingress, then as far as RAAC is concerned it is game over. There is no remedial solution and use of the building has to be immediately stopped. However, RAAC planks can be replaced with traditional roofs with timber joists or a dual-pitch roof truss. The good news is that RAAC does not affect residential buildings. The bad news is that, like a previous panic – asbestos, many owners or operators of public or commercial properties do not know that they are, or might be, affected. The issue is not going to go away. But there are answers to it, and prudence would dictate more regular monitoring and inspection regimes – something that will almost certainly be factored in by insurance companies at renewal time. However, It’s not a case of RAAC and ruin. Professional advice and guidance can alleviate the understandable instinct to panic. Alan Ferns is Director – Structural Engineering at Dougall Baillie Associates Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
This month SKArating is announcing an exciting change in its leadership and governance, as well as new plans to scale up to support the growing need to reshape sustainability in the fit-out world. Developed in 2008 to help landlords and tenants systemise sustainability and assess fit-out projects against a practical sustainability rating system, SKA is unique in that it is driven exclusively to make a positive impact. At the heart of SKA is a toolkit and assessment criteria that is free to use – costs are covered via training and certification. The scheme has now supported more than 12,000 fit-out projects to make responsible decisions. SKArating was initially developed by a group of industry professionals led by Skansen and supported by RICS and AECOM to focus on sustainability in fit-out, primarily in the commercial office, higher education, and retail space. The underlying philosophy of SKArating has always been to encourage all in the supply chain to make small changes in a practical way today. To establish SKArating in the market, RICS provided a platform to incubate the scheme, host information, and support the rating and certification process. The changes announced this week will see SkArating trade as an independent “not-for-profit” business. The new board is formed from people with a long-standing association with the scheme. Elina Grigoriou has chaired the SKArating Technical Committee since the scheme was first launched in 2008, and served on the SKArating Development Board as well as delivering the training of SKArating assessors. She is joined by Joe Croft, Charlie Law and Dave Wakelin who have been members of the Technical Committee for many years, and Iain McIlwee who has joined the board, cementing the Finishes and Interiors Sector’s strong association with the scheme. The Board has supported SKArating through its incubation with RICS and provides continuity as the scheme takes its next steps. SKA provides: The way SKArating operates will not be affected. Assessments will continue to be certified as they were under RICS’s stewardship. Assessors will continue to receive the same technical support that they have previously enjoyed through RICS, with updated processes for assessor accreditation and CPD. However, the board has plans to update the SKArating schemes to respond to an increasingly climate-aware fit-out industry, and to expand the sectors that SKArating can be used in. The board will be reaching out to industry experts, SKArating users, assessors, and clients to help develop the next iteration of the tool and the various schemes. Chairperson of the new SKA Board Elina Grigoriou stated: “This is an exciting time in the evolution of SKA. After 15 years developing the product and building awareness, we are now ready to step out on our own and work with our amazing community to take this scheme to the next level. With SKA now firmly established, it is time to take the next step and RICS has supported the leadership group to establish SKA as an independent social value business. “All of us on the new Board and our Technical advisors are passionate and committed to remaining true to the SKA values for its future direction. SKA will remain owned by the industry and run as a “not-for-profit” ensuring it is always acting in the best interest of the market.” Commenting on the changes, Janine Cole, Sustainability & Social Impact Director at Great Portland Estates plc stated: “GPE have used SKArating for several years and has supported the business in improving the sustainability performance of our smaller refurbishment projects. The flexible nature of the scheme makes it ideal for this type of project, as a result, it was recently included within “Our Brief for Creating Sustainable Spaces” as a requirement for our on floor fit out schemes. We look forward to working with the SKArating Board as they develop the scheme.” Ben Stubbs, Head of Sustainability (Built Environment) at UCL added: “At UCL, all our project teams are accountable for their impacts across a broad range of sustainability indicators. We recognise Ska’s potential to help us further reduce our impacts as we continue to update our institutional targets.” More details on the SKArating is available here: www.skarating.org Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Architects and designers face a significant challenge in the ever-changing world due to climate change. They play a vital role not just in creating visually appealing structures but also in ensuring resilience and adaptability to environmental shifts. Rising temperatures, heightened extreme weather events, and changing precipitation patterns are becoming more evident and impactful. To address the global impact of climate change on our surroundings, architects’ and designers’ responsibility should also go beyond aesthetics. Designing for Resilience In architecture, resilience pertains to a structure’s capability to withstand and recover from unforeseen events. Amidst climate change, this entails constructing buildings that can withstand extreme weather conditions like hurricanes, floods, and heat waves. Key principles to consider include: Site Analysis: Conduct a comprehensive analysis of the building site, considering historical weather patterns and anticipated climate changes to inform design decisions. Elevated Foundations: In flood-prone areas, contemplate elevating the building above potential water levels—providing protection from flooding and enhancing ventilation. Natural Ventilation and Cooling: Integrate natural ventilation systems to improve indoor air quality and reduce reliance on energy-intensive mechanical systems. Passive cooling techniques, such as shading and reflective surfaces, contribute to a more comfortable indoor environment. Durable Materials: Opt for materials capable of withstanding climate change impacts, such as high winds, heavy rainfall, and temperature fluctuations—enhancing the building’s lifespan and reducing maintenance costs. Adapting to Evolving Conditions Adaptability is another crucial element in designing commercial structures amid climate change. A building’s ability to adapt to changing conditions ensures its longevity and relevance. Strategies for creating adaptable systems include: Flexible Spaces: Design spaces that can easily adapt to changing needs, employing flexible floor plans and modular designs to facilitate adjustments without major renovations. Green Roofs and Access Doors: Integrate green roofs and access doors like the XPA exterior flush access panel for easy access to maintenance, reduced heat absorption, and biodiversity promotion—contributing to energy efficiency and natural buffers against extreme temperatures. Smart Building Systems: Incorporate smart building technologies responsive to real-time environmental conditions, optimizing energy usage for heating, cooling, and lighting based on the current climate. Water Management: Implement efficient water management systems to address shifting precipitation patterns, incorporating rainwater harvesting, porous surfaces, and sustainable drainage solutions to mitigate heavy rainfall impacts and prevent flooding. Collaboration and Innovation Constructing resilient and adaptive commercial structures requires collaboration and ongoing innovation within the architectural and design community. Sharing best practices, learning from previous projects, and staying abreast of emerging technologies are crucial in addressing climate change challenges. Key considerations include: Professional Networks: Active engagement in professional networks and industry conferences enables architects and designers to exchange ideas and experiences, learning from peers’ successes and failures to inform better design decisions. Research and Development: Allocating resources to research and development fosters the exploration of new materials, construction methodologies, and technologies. This investment aims to enhance a building’s resilience, ensuring a proactive stance in an ever-evolving field. Challenges in Designing Resilient and Adaptive Commercial Structures for Climate Change Architects and designers face many challenges that encompass the realms of design, construction, and maintenance—all integral to developing buildings capable of enduring the impacts of a shifting climate. Budget Constraints Designing and constructing resilient structures often comes with additional costs. Using durable materials, advanced technologies, and sustainable features may require a higher initial investment. Striking a balance between creating a resilient building and staying within budget constraints is a continuous challenge for architects and designers. Regulatory Hurdles Navigating complex and ever-evolving building codes and regulations can pose a significant challenge. These codes may only sometimes align with the innovative and adaptive design strategies needed to address climate change. Advocating for and influencing regulatory changes to accommodate sustainable and resilient practices is an ongoing struggle. Limited Data and Predictions Climate change brings uncertainties and challenges related to predicting future weather patterns accurately. Architects and designers often need more data on the long-term effects of climate change in specific regions, making it challenging to anticipate the exact environmental challenges a building may encounter over its lifespan. Educating Stakeholders Convincing clients, developers, and other stakeholders of the long-term benefits of resilient design can take time and effort. The immediate costs and benefits often take precedence over the future-proofing aspects of a building. Architects must effectively communicate the value of resilient and adaptive features to gain support and approval. Integration of New Technologies Rapid advancements in technology offer promising solutions for creating resilient structures. Yet, seamlessly incorporating these technologies into building design and construction practices requires time and effort. Architects and designers must stay updated on technological advancements and devise effective strategies for their implementation. Project Scale and Complexity The scale and complexity of commercial projects can pose significant challenges in achieving resilience. Large-scale structures, such as shopping malls or office complexes, may require extensive planning and coordination to implement resilient features across the entire property. Coordinating various systems and components to work harmoniously can be a logistical challenge. Long-Term Maintenance Resilient design is not a one-time effort; it requires ongoing maintenance and adaptation. Ensuring that building owners and operators understand the importance of maintenance for the longevity of resilient features can be challenging. With proper upkeep, the effectiveness of these features may remain high over time. Balancing Adaptability and Aesthetics Striking a balance between creating aesthetically pleasing structures and incorporating adaptive features can be challenging. Some resilient design elements, such as elevated foundations or protective barriers, may impact the visual appeal of a building. Architects must find creative ways to integrate adaptive features seamlessly into the overall design. Global Collaboration Climate change is a global challenge that must have collaborative efforts. Architects and designers must collaborate across borders to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices. Overcoming logistical and cultural differences to create a unified approach to resilient design is an ongoing challenge. Conclusion As architects and designers, the responsibility to create resilient and adaptive commercial structures in the face of climate change is significant. By integrating principles of resilience and adaptability into design practices, construction professionals can contribute significantly to a sustainable and enduring
New whitepaper explores how to identify and mitigate fire risks for flat roofs functioning as additional social or practical spaces of a building, including for solar installations The role of the roof in modern building design has expanded significantly in recent years. Now ROCKWOOL® has published a whitepaper aimed at helping specifiers and roof contractors to consider and plan for possible fire risks arising from flat roofs being used as multifunctional spaces for a variety of social and practical applications, highlighting, for example, the increasing number of solar energy installations. The Flat roofs: The functional fifth façade paper explores the fire safety implications of modern multifunctional roofs and discusses best practices for identifying and mitigating the risks. It also explains the role of the guidance provided in approved documents, including Approved Document B (ADB) for fire safety, and examines potential limitations of such advice for non-standard flat roof circumstances and scenarios. The whitepaper can be downloaded at https://rockwool.link/ffpr “While the use of flat roofs as functional spaces is not a new concept, the practice has become more and more popular in recent years, especially in increasingly crowded urban areas,” explains Lisa Stephens, Product Manager – Building Envelope, ROCKWOOL UK. “Now, flat roofs don’t just house plant and building services but energy efficiency infrastructure and social spaces too.” With the increasing complexity of the flat roof space in mind, this whitepaper addresses the risks associated with social and commercial uses of flat roofs, considering implications such as greater footfall and the impact of penetrations from building services and cabling on compartmentation and fire resistance. With the market for solar energy growing rapidly in the UK and Europe, Flat roofs: The functional fifth façade also places a specific focus on the lack of dedicated guidance for solar panels despite evidence that their presence may increase fire risk. “The information in the whitepaper will help those involved in the design and installation of flat roofs to make responsible choices when selecting materials to enable a modern flat roof to be multifunctional, safe and long-lasting,” says Lisa Stephens. “It offers practical advice to simplify specification whilst going above and beyond legislative requirements.” For more information and to download the whitepaper go to: https://rockwool.link/ffpr Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The ISO 9001 certification covers all of Farasis Energy Europe’s business processes. These include business development, purchasing, finance, product development, project management, operations, quality assurance, logistics, human resources, IT, calibration and maintenance. Strategic planning and after-sales services were also audited. The audit process lasted several days. As a result, the inspection body attested zero major and zero minor non-conformities as well as exemplary handling. “Certification was one of our main goals for this year. We attach great importance to quality, and we wanted to have this officially confirmed. The entire top management level was therefore actively involved in the process. The successful certification is thanks to the commitment of the entire team. These efforts also enable us to further increase the satisfaction of our customers and partners – which is of course our main focus as a company,” says Dr. Stefan Bergold, General Manager at Farasis Energy Europe. “Every certification is an opportunity for Farasis Energy Europe to improve and develop. We closely follow industry trends, especially in the area of automotive quality standards. In the next phase, we are therefore aiming for ISO 14001 environmental management system certification,” Bergold continues. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
With pressure for major construction projects growing across the UK, a new report is encouraging mechanical services contractors, specifiers and developers to accelerate the uptake and deployment of offsite construction techniques, particularly when it comes to building services. The UK is currently falling short of its annual target to build 300,000 new homes in England[1], while 90% of student accommodation rooms for the 2023/24 academic year had already been sold by April 2023[2]. With a 17% increase in hotel construction projects also reported over 2024[3], pressure is on the construction sector to build faster as confidence in city centre building continues to rise.[4] REHAU’s new report, Offsite Trends in Building Services explores how modern methods of construction (MMC) can help tackle this issue. Underlining a skills shortage of 937,000 construction industry vacancies by 2032, it looks specifically at how to implement mechanical service installation into offsite projects to make builds easier and faster.[5] Steve Richmond, Head of Marketing and Technical, REHAU Building Solutions, said: “Building at pace within tight footprints and using traditional methods is undoubtedly difficult, necessitating new approaches such as MMC. This new report details what is possible and how different offsite methods suit specific projects and help provide simpler, faster and high-quality builds for contractors, all within a factory-controlled environment.” With high-rise construction increasingly necessary in high-density urban areas, REHAU’s guide highlights how the company can help with the challenge of building at height in smaller spaces. At the same time, it uncovers obstacles that contractors, specifiers and developers must overcome when using offsite construction methods to ensure quality work. The guide includes information on key components that can be assembled at the factory and transported and assembled onsite for a high-quality build. This includes modular shafts, pre-wall constructions, bathroom pods and polymer risers, as well as relatively new technologies such as thermally activated building structures (TABS), which can provide both heating and cooling. “There have already been many exciting innovations across the globe to further improve offsite construction methods that we have included within this new guide,” Steve concludes. “Like all fields, MMC is continually developing, and the hope is that through this whitepaper, readers can find out more about these innovative methods and solutions, and best put MMC techniques into practice to meet market demand.” To download REHAU’s report, ‘Offsite Trends for Building Services’, CLICK HERE. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Potentially one of the biggest news stories that broke in 2023 was the one about RAAC – Reinforced Autoclaved Aeriated Concrete. This method of construction was widely used from the mid-1950s through to the early 1990s. The predicted lifespan of this type of concrete from installation to expected potential failure was 30 years, which is why this issue has recently hit the headlines. Why was RAAC used? The use of this type of concrete was widespread. The rationale at the time was that it was cheaper than conventional methods, it had good thermal insulation qualities, and it was lightweight. In hindsight it has come to light that often there was insufficient coverage of the steel reinforcing bars by the concrete, leaving them exposed to elements and subsequent corrosion which will inevitably weaken the structure. As a result of these findings and ongoing investigations, many buildings identified as having RAAC have been subject to closure, a good proportion of those being schools. Water Hygiene consequences of using RAAC When a building is occupied and the hot and cold-water systems are in normal use as they were designed to operate, then the risk from Legionella and other waterborne pathogens remains at an acceptable level. Once these hot and cold systems become effectively redundant from lack of use due to building closures, then the potential risk increases significantly. Basic water hygiene management involves keeping the hot water, hot, the cold water, cold, and more importantly keep water moving within a system, none of which can be achieved to the level required if a building is closed and not used. As a result of closure, the building plant may be turned off; consequently, the Calorifier and associated hot water temperatures will fall below the parameters required and water can stagnate in the cold-water storage tanks and all distribution pipework within the building due to lack of use. This all creates the perfect storm for Legionella and other waterborne pathogens to proliferate within the system. So, what can we do to keep our domestic water systems safe? HSG 274 – Part 2 section 2.50 – 2.52 gives guidance on managing the water systems in buildings taken out of use. “Where a building, part of a building or a water system is taken out of use (sometimes referred to as mothballing), it should be managed so that microbial growth, including Legionella in the water, is appropriately controlled. All mothballing procedures are a compromise between adequate control of microbial growth, the use of water for flushing (while avoiding waste), and degradation of the system by any disinfectant added. Where disinfectants are used, these should leave the system fit for its intended purpose. In general, systems are normally left filled with water for mothballing and not drained down as moisture will remain within the system enabling biofilm to develop where there are pockets of water or high humidity. The water in the system also helps to avoid other problems associated with systems drying out, including failure of tank joints and corrosion in metal pipework. The systems should be recommissioned as though they were new (i.e., thoroughly flushed, cleaned, and disinfected) before being returned to use. Other Considerations Having read the above guidance, the potential risks posed by a water system in an unoccupied building can be easily managed if a calculated and pragmatic approach is taken. Ideally, the system should be left in a live condition if the likelihood of reoccupation is high following rectification works. That is to say, nothing is drained down and the heat source for hot water generation is left on so that hot water temperatures can be maintained. There is a need to identify if there are any hot and cold water services within the areas that are closed, so appropriate measures can be taken. If the building is unlikely to be reoccupied for an extensive period, then a decision may be made as to different approaches as outlined in the above extract from HSG274 – Part 2 each on its own merits. The easiest and least intrusive solution is to implement a legionella flushing regime on all domestic water system outlets, until the outlet temperature is comparable to the supply temperature, as, in their current unused state they are effectively deadlegs. This process should be documented, and the records held within the site logbook. Legionella samples may also be taken for laboratory analysis (if not already part of your current regime) to confirm that your flushing regime is still effective. Several schools and other organisations affected by building closures due to RAAC have sought to use temporary offices or Portacabin-type structures as alternative workspaces and welfare facilities so that they can continue to function as close to normality as possible. It’s also worth noting domestic water systems within these temporary structures will also require careful management before they are occupied and will also require a Legionella risk assessment. HSG274 – Part 2 – Sections 2.40 – 2.43 gives guidance on the commissioning requirements before bringing a new system into operation. Conclusion The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 states; “Section 4 places a duty on anyone responsible for the workplace to ensure that the premises, plant, and machinery do not endanger the people using them”. We all have a duty of care to our work colleagues, the public and ourselves. The likelihood of an incident derived from the water systems which have been left unmanaged in an unoccupied building can be reduced dramatically to levels that are deemed acceptable or ALARP – as low as reasonably practicable – with a relatively simple regime which prevents the conditions favourable for the growth of Legionella and other waterborne pathogens. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Exclusive National Portrait Gallery event provides backdrop to book launch Leading construction and fit-out contractor, Gilbert-Ash has launched the second volume of its Landmark Landscapes publication at an exclusive event at the National Portrait Gallery. The beautifully designed book features a bespoke collection of standout buildings Gilbert-Ash has worked on in recent years and features projects including the Everyman Theatre, the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and the Royal College of Music. Having delivered the largest redevelopment of the National Portrait Gallery since it opened in 1896, Gilbert-Ash chose the iconic venue as the perfect backdrop to celebrate the launch of the second volume of Landmark Landscapes. Gilbert-Ash’s special guest at the launch, which took place on Wednesday 22nd November, was renowned artist Colin Davidson. His portraits of Ed Sheeran and Sir Kenneth Branagh currently hang in the Gallery. In conversation with the National Portrait Gallery’s Chief Curator, Dr Alison Smith, Colin spoke about his artistic approaches and the importance of the landmark building in London. Speaking at the launch event, Gilbert-Ash’s Managing Director, Ray Hutchinson said the latest edition highlights exactly what is possible when Gilbert-Ash’s people work together, as one. He said: “Gilbert-Ash has a reputation for taking on landmark projects which require innovation and collaboration to succeed. “The standout projects in this volume demonstrate how we go above and beyond for our clients and work as one with our trusted supply chain to deliver iconic buildings. “They highlight how we excel in working across a number of different sectors and this volume offers a pause for reflection and celebration of the satisfying results our efforts can achieve. “I am already looking forward to the next volume of Landmark Landscapes which will proudly feature our work on the National Portrait Gallery alongside our pipeline of other exciting projects.” To find out more about Gilbert-Ash visit www.gilbert-ash.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Choosing and installing the correct passive fire protection system can be confusing – with a range of application requirements, legislation and a host of products to choose from. Here, Ken Francis, Technical Support Manager at Promat, talks us through some of the most frequent questions posed to him and the technical team. 1. Do you need to be an approved or accredited installer to work with fire protection boards? While being approved or accredited is not mandatory, here at Promat, we expect installers to be competent and experienced in all aspects of the installation of passive fire protection systems. Ideally, we would recommend that installers are registered by a third-party certification scheme. These schemes typically carry out site inspections and set out training, competency and standards that must be achieved by the installer. There are a number of these schemes, one of which is FIRAS. The following link will guide you to a list of FIRAS-accredited installers: https://www.warringtoncertification.com/certified-companies/ but other schemes are available. 2. How do I provide compartmentation to a steel structure that sits on a compartment line? There are various methods of providing fire protection to steel sections, these include boards, special coatings or designing steelwork so no protection is needed. However, if the beams or columns are on compartment lines, then there will be a requirement to provide fire insulation through the steel. This needs to be taken into consideration when the method of fire protecting the steel is chosen. For boarded protection, the thickness may need to be increased above that required for the protection of the steel, to a defined limiting temperature, so that fire insulation (compartmentation) is achieved. Fire insulation periods of 60-240 minutes can be achieved with Promat board products. It’s important to note that methods such as intumescent paint are unlikely to meet compartmentation requirements. It’s also important to pay careful attention to any openings or penetrations in the compartment walls, and through the steel fire protection encasement and use appropriate firestopping measures, such as fire-resistant seals, penetration collars, or intumescent materials, to seal the openings and maintain the compartmentation. Whatever fire protection method is put in place, it’s vital they are regularly inspected, maintained, and tested (if required) to ensure their effectiveness as in the Building Regulations. 3. How do I upgrade the fire performance of the existing concrete structure of a building I am refurbishing for change of use? To upgrade the fire performance of concrete structures there is a requirement to know what thickness of concrete, or cover to reinforcement, is needed to achieve the fire performance without additional treatment. Once this is established then the correct Promat product and thickness can be selected according to its “concrete equivalence” which has been derived from test data. Promat can provide thin lightweight board products which can upgrade the fire performance to up to 240 minutes which can be fixed directly to concrete walls, beams, columns and soffits. 4. Is there a ceiling system which provides fire resistance from both above and below? Promat have two types of boarded ceiling system available that can provide fire resistance from above and below. Choosing the correct one depends on the application and location. There are self-supporting systems, which include steel channels that must be fixed to masonry. There is also a system which can be suspended directly from the structure above which must also meet the desired fire performance. In both cases, there are 60 and 120 minute versions available which provide both integrity and insulation from both above and below. 5. Do Promat have systems for load bearing steel joisted mezzanine floors which require 30, 60, 90 or 120 minutes protection? A mezzanine floor system which is protected using a single layer of 15mm thick PROMATECT®-250 to the underside of the steel joists can provide 30 or 60 minutes load bearing capacity, fire integrity and fire insulation (from below). Depending on the section factor (or A/V value) of the steel sections it is likely that the 15mm thick board will also provide fire protection to the hot rolled steel beams and columns supporting the cold rolled joists. For 90 & 120 minute systems, the thickness will need to be increased to two layers of 15mm thick PROMATECT®-250 to the underside of the steel joists. Two layers of 15mm will cater for section factors of up to 140m-1 for 120 minutes, or section factors of up to 350 m-1 for 90 minutes (both assuming a 550oC limiting temperature). Got a technical question for the Promat team? Email today: technical@promat.co.uk or check our website for other frequently asked questions Promat.com/knowledge-base Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
According to recent data, in 2022, the aviation industry accounted for 2% of all CO2 emissions. Over the past few decades, flying has developed much more than roads, rails and shipping. Following the days of the pandemic, when people couldn’t even leave their homes, let alone travel, the number of international trips has climbed back up again, being around 80% of the pre-pandemic levels. And even though the new aircraft is much more efficient than the models they have replaced, climate activists remain concerned about their impact on the environment. Here are some of the measures the industry could adopt to become environmentally friendly and leave the allegations of unsustainability in the past. Education Becoming more educated about the environment, how climate change works and how global warming harms the planet are all crucial when it comes to offsetting the damage of greenhouse gas emissions on the planet. Posters, digital displays, informative programs and announcements are all effective ways to raise awareness about the effects of travelling. Sustainable aviation fuel, also known as SAF, is made from any feedstock other than crude oil. The supply is currently limited, but it can be a way to significantly reduce emissions. It can be blended at levels of anywhere between 10% and 50%, depending on how it is produced. Most of the fuel used comes from renewable sources and includes rapeseed, palm oil or corn. It can also be derived from the by-products of previous production processes, so food waste and cooking oils might also prove efficient. Parking Although it is an often-overlooked consideration, airport parking is crucial for the space to function well. Heathrow Airport parking, for instance, is vital when you’re embarking on a long trip and want to be sure that your vehicle is well-protected in the meantime. There are several ways in which parking lots could become more sustainable. The first and most important is the installation of an electric vehicle charging station. Although electric cars have become more popular over the past few years, the infrastructure necessary to keep them running is often lacking, creating challenges for drivers. Using solar power or other alternative forms of creating electricity helps as well. Clean energy from sunlight harnesses the power and drastically reduces the carbon footprint associated with the facilities. Even when eco-friendly energy isn’t used broadly, LED lighting and other energy-efficient designs should still be utilised. Many of these appliances and devices generally have longer lifespans as well. Many of them are also designed to include smart lighting control and natural ventilation. Airport parking Gatwick cycle parking is available as well, in the South Terminal on the south of A23 and next to NCR21. This is the perfect thing for eco-conscious travellers who prefer to go on their bikes instead of behind the wheel of a car. And, of course, there’s always the option to install green roofs and harvest rainwater to reduce wastage. The design also enhances the space’s aesthetic appeal and minimises the heat island effect that is so common around urban areas. Incentives Incentives play a crucial role in helping the passengers address their own carbon emissions. The easiest way to offset the emissions is directly from the airline by choosing to pay an extra fee alongside the usual flying costs. The sum will later be redirected to a carbon offset scheme. While this type of program is still not universal, it is much more popular than it used to be not long ago. It’s essential to do your research before picking an offer. You should analyse how the offsets are calculated. There might be a problem if they’re just mileage-based, there might be a problem, but figures resulting from more comprehensive analysis are more trustworthy. The type of projects the airline is funding, the percentage of the money that goes into the environmental ventures, and the certification they possess will all offer you a clear indication of what you can expect. Technology Tech solutions are revolutionising all industry areas, helping make the world more efficient and sustainable. Aviation is already heavily reliant on technology and complex systems, so it only makes sense that it will continue to develop in this area. Artificial intelligence and machine learning can help airlines determine the most efficient flight paths that can minimise the incidence of delays, reduce fuel consumption, and help the environment. Wind speed, temperature and weather patterns are analysed side by side to reduce flying times. Some airlines already use these metrics to decrease emissions and claim that they have saved 2.5 million metric tonnes yearly. Companies can also sell their SAF investments as ancillary that go towards the development of sustainable fuels. This could help accelerate the adoption of more sustainable methods, which can often be pricey and are still in the earlier development stages. Technology can also be used to decrease the load factor. Any unnecessary weight should be balanced well because it increases the amount of fuel that is burned. The typical figures show that anywhere between 2.5 to 4.5% of the additional weight is used per hour of flight. If seat capacity is maximised, and the space for essential cargo is enlarged while also setting luggage weight restrictions in place and minimising the number of unnecessary items, all of this could be a concern of the past. Airports of Tomorrow Airports are also rethinking what they could do to become more sustainable and align with environmental considerations. The initiative known as Airports of Tomorrow focuses on meeting these demands through the creation of new infrastructure that can facilitate the transition to clean energy. It aims to bring climate experts, government leaders and representatives from the aviation industry together to find solutions that can help the sector reach net zero emission goals. Sustainability is becoming increasingly important for individuals, institutions, corporations and legislators. People are becoming more aware of the existential threat created by a warming planet and the fact that everyone must do their part to avert a worsening situation and an Earth that would become
