Whilst large swathes of the UK construction industry continue to demonstrate a ‘head in the sand’ attitude by failing to adopt more performance and energy efficient ways of building, surely now it’s only a matter of time before they radically rethink things. Enter the recent changes to the all-important Part
Last week, housebuilding SMEs were invited to a Future Homes Hub (FHH) event, hosted by leading housebuilder Redrow, at its Stone Hill Meadow development. Leaders from across the industry gathered at the site, which was the first to launch since Redrow committed to install Air Source Heat Pumps across all
Berkeley Group – one of the largest home builders in the UK – has reaffirmed its support for the newly updated Consumer Code for Home Builders (‘the Code’) as part of its continued focus on customer satisfaction. This ongoing commitment will see thousands of home buyers benefit from additional protection
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
Whilst large swathes of the UK construction industry continue to demonstrate a ‘head in the sand’ attitude by failing to adopt more performance and energy efficient ways of building, surely now it’s only a matter of time before they radically rethink things. Enter the recent changes to the all-important Part L of the building regulations. Having come into force in June of last year, the period for compliance is now firmly behind us, with the overall industry heading beyond what is an interim step to more stringent legislation that will come under the Future Homes Standards in 2025. Based against a background that provides a further uplift to existing energy efficient standards and carbon emissions for homes, the new regulations apply to anyone involved in designing, constructing or renovating buildings in England, including architects, builders, developers, engineers, and other building professionals. Whilst the latest Part L updates precede all new homes having to be produced with 75% – 80% fewer emissions from 2025, let’s first look at what is required to comply with the new measures, which include a mandate for new energy efficiency targets and alterations to assessment methodology. Part L Update – The Key Components Separated into four volumes to include new dwellings, existing dwellings, new buildings other than dwellings, and existing buildings other than dwellings, a fabric-first approach features strongly in the latest updates. This is not surprising given that this has long been considered a cost-effective way of saving carbon and delivering energy efficiency over the whole life of a building. Key considerations here centre on construction techniques that deliver maximising airtightness, optimising insulation and eliminating thermal bridging. Obviously using more energy-efficient walls, floors, windows and roofs can help reduce the dependence on secondary technologies and their associated energy costs. And what about all-important U-values? These are the main changes that need to be met under the Part L regulations: Who Will Be Impacted By The Changes? Obviously the new standards need to be considered from the very early design stages to ensure compliance. And whilst architects will need to work closely at overall building design efficiency, it is traditional builders that will feel the biggest force of the change through the need to adapt to newer energy-efficient designs, materials and construction methods. In essence, they must ensure that the building envelope is well insulated to reduce heat loss and minimise thermal bridging. This is likely to necessitate the use of thicker insulation materials and the introduction of more adequate airtightness measures, such as vapour barriers, tapes and sealants. As for other trades, then plumbers and HVAC technicians will be looking to install more efficient heating and ventilation systems and increase the use of renewable energy sources such as solar, thermal or heat pumps, whilst electricians will focus on more efficient lighting systems that minimise unnecessary energy use. They will also be increasingly involved in installing renewable energy sources such as PV panels and wind turbines. Other Key Compliant Considerations Whilst all elements of the regulations need consideration, understanding and planning that starts at the design stage, builders and developers also need to keep detailed records of the materials and systems used in construction, along with step-by-step photographic evidence. Failure to do so may result in potential rework, build delays, and possible financial penalties. The Solution Obviously reducing the carbon footprint and maximising the energy efficiency of any building is a task for everyone. So it will be imperative that those in the industry work collaboratively to ensure the necessary measures are implemented and complied with effectively. Indeed the overriding solution is not new! It’s not about reinventing the wheel but encouraging builders and contractors to adopt new ways and means of building using proven off-site and MMC system solutions such as those provided by the likes of Excel Group. Whilst many builders still see MMC and off-site building as purely timber frame, this couldn’t be further from the case. The focus should be on the specific needs of the project and this is where the Excel approach differentiates themselves in the marketplace. Standing as a specialist sub-contractor and having developed relationships with dedicated and sustainable supply chain partners across a range of component manufacturing disciplines, on offer is a range of off-site solutions (SIPs, timber frame, CLT and light gauge steel). After all, one size doesn’t fit all! In support of each solution, Excel has engaged software from industry specialists, FONN that captures all relevant details, dates and time steps making Part L assessment easier, while providing full transparency to the ERC assessor and end user. FONN also provides the opportunity for highly efficient project management workflows benefiting all project stakeholders. In addition, Excel Group operates a proven window and door business in partnership with leading global brands to offer a complete sustainable glazing solution – either stand alone or as part of an offsite structural package. Further expansion into SFS infill and external cladding systems has also facilitated the offer of bespoke packages for customers, developers and contractors to suit specific needs. So for any builders or contractors unsure, sceptical or lack the confidence and knowledge to embrace MMC and all that off-site construction has to offer, Excel can provide an initial system agnostic consultative discussion that serves to build trust on the basis that it is never going to be a single solution offering. Surely adopting building solutions that already exceed the requirements of Part L makes sense, as is the case with many of today’s off-site construction solutions? And for those who remain uncertain, then the further profound implications that Future Homes Standards of 2025 are set to bring, must be an eye-opener and catalyst to start considering other, more sustainable ways of doing things. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Last week, housebuilding SMEs were invited to a Future Homes Hub (FHH) event, hosted by leading housebuilder Redrow, at its Stone Hill Meadow development. Leaders from across the industry gathered at the site, which was the first to launch since Redrow committed to install Air Source Heat Pumps across all its new, upcoming developments. Stone Hill Meadow is a prime example of Redrow’s eco-electric homes with underfloor heating and other energy efficient features fitted as standard. The Future Homes Hub has been focusing on driving greater collaboration to support successful delivery of the Future Homes Standard alongside other priorities in meeting the sector’s climate and environmental goals such as water efficiency improvements, biodiversity net gain and improving sustainability metrics. The event was organised by the FHH Implementation Board, which is Co-Chaired by Redrow CEO Matthew Pratt, as part of the collaboration efforts and to promote knowledge sharing within the industry ahead of the Future Homes Standard being implemented in 2025. Matthew Pratt, CEO of Redrow and Co-Chair of the FHS Implementation Board, said: “SMEs are a vital part of the industry transition to new, low carbon forms of energy. Having started out as a small business ourselves, nurturing new SME’s and offering a helping hand will always be at the heart of our culture. As housebuilders, we must work together to offer customers the best homes possible, that are fit for the future and for the planet. Redrow will continue collaborating and sharing knowledge to achieve these goals, through more events as well as online tools and webinars.” MD of Carr & Carr (Builders) Ltd and National President of the Federation of Master Builders commented: “These events are so important for SMEs like us who don’t have the technical departments, facilities and expertise of volume housebuilders. Redrow’s willingness to open their doors, collaborate and share learnings within the industry, when it comes to sustainability, energy efficiency and the implementation of the Future Homes Standard, will be pivotal in facilitating a level playing field for SMEs like us, as we move towards the 2025 goals.” Ed Lockhart, CEO of the Future Homes Hub, said: “Visiting Redrow’s Stone Hill Meadow development provided a very engaging way, particularly for SMEs who attended, to understand some of their learnings since launching heat pumps as standard across their business. By launching at scale, well ahead of the Future Homes Standard implementation deadline, they’ve been able to collate an enormous amount of learnings across the technical, design, supply chain and commercial aspects of the net zero transition. We know that sharing these learnings with SMEs is absolutely vital, and we’ll be encouraging other housebuilders to do the same, as well as implementing more tools to make these learnings accessible to everyone within the industry.” The Future Homes Standard 2025 (FHS) represents a significant and early milestone in England’s pathway to net zero, with substantial implications for how new homes are built. Successful implementation is therefore critical both for the homebuilding sector and more widely government and society. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Berkeley Group – one of the largest home builders in the UK – has reaffirmed its support for the newly updated Consumer Code for Home Builders (‘the Code’) as part of its continued focus on customer satisfaction. This ongoing commitment will see thousands of home buyers benefit from additional protection introduced following an independent review of the Code. The revised Code (fifth edition), effective from 1 January 2024, provides enhanced protection for consumers, with additional requirements and guidance for builders to help improve customer service. Berkeley Group has sought to operate in line with Code requirements since the Consumer Code for Home Builders was first launched in 2010, and latest research shows 97.5% of its customers would recommend Berkeley to a friend[1]. The Group is now preparing for the additional requirements contained in the updated Code. Rob Perrins, CEO of Berkeley Group, said: “Our customers are at the heart of everything we do, which is why we’ve always been supportive of the Consumer Code for Home Builders. The Code provides clear requirements, with supporting resources and training, which help our colleagues across the business maintain consistent, high quality customer service. “We particularly value the experienced, independent feedback provided by the Code through a combination of site audits, adjudicator decisions and industry-wide learning. The Consumer Code for Home Builders is ideally placed to provide us with credible, experienced, and sometimes challenging feedback, that supports our commitment to customer satisfaction and continuous improvement.” Noel Hunter, Code Chair, said: “We are delighted that Berkeley Group has confirmed its ongoing commitment to the Consumer Code for Home Builders. Our revised Code builds on over ten years of enhanced protection for new-build home buyers. It’s extremely encouraging to see the additional requirements and consumer protection we’ve built in, being welcomed by the industry.” A free ‘Transition Pack’ is available to help home builders comply with the revised Code and can be downloaded from the Code’s Home Builder Resources Page alongside other useful documents. 1Based on customer feedback surveys independently collected by In-house Research FY 2023 [1] Based on customer feedback surveys independently collected by In-house Research FY 2023 Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
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
