Products & Materials : Building Systems & Appliances News
TOPDON brings dual-lens thermal imaging to HVAC engineers

TOPDON brings dual-lens thermal imaging to HVAC engineers

Global thermal imaging manufacturer TOPDON has launched the TC001 Max, a dual-lens smartphone-connected thermal camera aimed at HVAC engineers, electrical contractors and building services technicians. The camera combines an infrared sensor with a built-in visible light camera, fusing the two images together to give engineers precise, on-screen fault location across

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Signify launches Brighter Lives, Better World 2030: improving lives, saving energy, preserving resources

Signify launches Brighter Lives, Better World 2030: improving lives, saving energy, preserving resources

Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the world leader in lighting, today launched Brighter Lives, Better World 2030, a new program designed to expand the reach of impactful, energy and resource-efficient lighting to improve lives, save energy, and preserve resources. The program is supported by new initiatives that support customer sustainability ambitions. “Brighter

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LEDVANCE introduces urban wall vario: Flexible façade where lighting meets performance

LEDVANCE introduces urban wall vario: Flexible façade where lighting meets performance

Façade lighting plays an important role in shaping how buildings are perceived after dark, while also supporting the safety and usability of outdoor spaces. For residential, hospitality and commercial environments, wall luminaires must deliver not only visual impact, but also durability, efficiency and installation flexibility. When specifying exterior wall lighting,

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Signify Joins Sustainable Ventures to Accelerate Climate Tech Innovation and Net-Zero Solution

Signify Joins Sustainable Ventures to Accelerate Climate Tech Innovation and Net-Zero Solution

Signify (Euronext: LIGHT). the world leader in lighting, today announced it has joined Sustainable Ventures. Europe’s leading climate tech growth partner as a corporate partner. Through this partnership, Signify will bring its innovative connected lighting solutions to Sustainable Ventures’ workspaces across the UK, a showcase in how climate tech solutions

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Signify launches Interact emergency lighting system for seamless cloud-based control, monitoring and testing of emergency lighting

Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the world leader in lighting has launched a new wireless emergency lighting portfolio andmonitoring system, enabling building managers to control, monitor and test emergency lighting and produce compliance reports, through a secure cloud-based dashboard. Powered by Signify’s Interact connected lighting system developed for intelligent buildings, the new

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Who Offers the Most Affordable New Transformers With Quick Delivery?

Who Offers the Most Affordable New Transformers With Quick Delivery?

Transformers are the backbone of reliable power for utilities, industrial sites and large construction projects. When a substation upgrade or emergency replacement is on the line, two things matter greatly — price and how fast a supplier can deliver. In a tight North American market where lead times stretch into

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Latest Issue
Issue 338 : Mar 2026

Products & Materials : Building Systems & Appliances News

TOPDON brings dual-lens thermal imaging to HVAC engineers

TOPDON brings dual-lens thermal imaging to HVAC engineers

Global thermal imaging manufacturer TOPDON has launched the TC001 Max, a dual-lens smartphone-connected thermal camera aimed at HVAC engineers, electrical contractors and building services technicians. The camera combines an infrared sensor with a built-in visible light camera, fusing the two images together to give engineers precise, on-screen fault location across heating, ventilation, air conditioning refrigeration systems and electrical wiring. Fault-finding is the most time-intensive part of any HVAC call-out, and the most commercially sensitive. Whether it’s a refrigerant leak that has partially migrated, an underperforming heat exchanger, a poorly balanced duct system or a faulty contactor running hot inside a panel, the challenge is always the same: identifying the precise source quickly, without unnecessary dismantling, and with enough evidence to justify the repair to the customer. Traditional fault-finding methods like feeling pipework by hand, checking pressures at service ports, or isolating circuits one by one, are slow, often inconclusive, and leave the engineer with limited visual evidence to share with the customer or building manager. An experienced engineer working through an intermittent fault on a multi-zone system can lose an hour to tracing work that a thermal scan would resolve in minutes. The TC001 Max solves this by rendering heat distribution across any system as a live visual image, without contact. Blocked heat exchangers, poorly insulated pipework, overheating electrical contactors and air infiltration points in building fabric all produce distinct thermal signatures that become immediately visible on screen. Until recently, equipment capable of this level of sensitivity in a field environment cost several thousand pounds and was largely confined to specialist thermographic survey contractors. TOPDON has deliberately priced the TC001 Max to make thermal imaging a practical day-to-day tool rather than a specialist hire item. It connects directly to iOS, Android or Windows devices, using the engineer’s existing smartphone or tablet as its display, interface and storage platform. This removes the need for a dedicated screen and battery pack, which account for a significant portion of the cost of conventional handheld thermal cameras. The camera’s 256 × 192 infrared sensor is upscaled to 512 × 384 pixels through TOPDON’s TISR processing, giving resolution sufficient to distinguish temperature variation across individual components rather than broad surface areas. Thermal sensitivity of ≤40mK (NETD) means the camera picks up the small differentials that matter in HVAC and electrical diagnosis – a slightly cool section of refrigerant pipework, a marginally warm return air grille, or early-stage bearing heat in fan motor assemblies. A 25Hz refresh rate keeps the image fluid during live scanning. The key differentiator is the TC001 Max’s dual-lens design. Unlike single-sensor thermal cameras that produce a thermal-only image, the TC001 Max pairs its infrared sensor with a built-in visible light camera and electronically fuses the two into a single blended image. Five selectable fusion modes let the engineer dial between full thermal and full visible, with blended options in between, so component outlines remain sharp and identifiable even when scanning a densely packed plant room or electrical panel. In practice, this means an engineer can see exactly which valve body, terminal block or pipe joint is the source of a thermal anomaly. For building envelope surveys, where identifying the precise location of insulation voids or air infiltration paths is critical to a useful report, the fused image is particularly valuable. “HVAC engineers are under constant pressure to diagnose faster and document better,” said Oscar Diaz, CEO of TOPDON Europe. “The TC001 Max gives them a tool that does both. The fused imaging puts the fault location in the image itself, which speeds up the diagnosis and gives the engineer something concrete to show the customer.” The TC001 Max works with TOPDON’s TopInfrared (Mobile) and TopView (PC) applications across iOS, Android, and Windows, supporting thermal image capture, spot and area temperature measurement, isotherm analysis, and structured PDF report creation – including client-ready reports with annotated images and temperature readings suitable for handover to building managers or FM teams. When used alongside TOPDON’s TopFix AI, thermal findings can be cross-referenced against fault data to accelerate diagnosis and inform repair recommendations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Signify launches Brighter Lives, Better World 2030: improving lives, saving energy, preserving resources

Signify launches Brighter Lives, Better World 2030: improving lives, saving energy, preserving resources

Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the world leader in lighting, today launched Brighter Lives, Better World 2030, a new program designed to expand the reach of impactful, energy and resource-efficient lighting to improve lives, save energy, and preserve resources. The program is supported by new initiatives that support customer sustainability ambitions. “Brighter Lives, Better World 2030 is designed to deliver solutions that improve lives, save energy, and make better use of resources – which is exactly what our customers are asking for,” said As Tempelman, CEO of Signify. “It shows that impact and opportunity go hand in hand, as we create real value for society, while building a stronger, more resilient company.” Driving impact where it matters most Focusing on customers’ most pressing challenges, Brighter Lives, Better World 2030 responds to rising demand for efficient, connected and electrified solutions. Addressing increasing demand for electricity1 and volatile pricing, resource scarcity and the need for healthier, safer, more resilient and livable environments – the program transforms the potential of light into meaningful impact. “We’re proud to introduce the third chapter of Brighter Lives, Better World. Our new program builds on the progress of the past decade, remaining fully committed to our 2040 net zero ambition, with new targets that focus on reducing the energy and resource consumption of our customers, while continuing to drive innovations that improve safety & security, health and well-being,” said Maurice Loosschilder, Head of Sustainability at Signify. Benefits beyond illumination Signify continues to expand the role of lighting that is designed to improve quality of life, support more welcoming and productive indoor environments, enhance safety and security in cities and communities, enable more efficient food production, and increase access to solar lighting. Energy efficiency as a growth accelerator Energy efficiency is a powerful enabler of electrification and the energy transition. Through continuous advances in LED and connected lighting, Signify helps customers reduce energy demand, manage costs, and lower emissions. By the end of 2030, Signify commits to: Since introducing the Green Switch program in 2020, Signify has supported over 37,000 projects with cities across the globe, helping over 10,000 local authorities to switch their lighting systems from conventional to connected LED. An expanded Signify Switch program offers guidance on how efficient LED and connected lighting can advance energy and cost savings, and emissions reduction, as well as how to improve the quality of indoor and outdoor light, contribute to street safety and install solar lighting where the grid may not be available. Customers can receive support in choosing the right lighting products, systems, and services, as well as identifying sources of finance and funding. Resource efficiency and circular value To advance the circular economy, Signify will scale durable, upgradable, repairable, and recyclable products, alongside circular services. These solutions are designed for circularity, following a “use less, use longer, use again” framework that aims to reduce the consumption of virgin materials and energy while delivering long-term customer value. Signify Circle revenues will include four categories: These products and services will constitute Signify Circle, a new initiative for professional customers to support their circular economy ambitions. It delivers products, services and business models that are aligned to well-defined circularity criteria, alongside clear and transparent labelling and customer education.  “Our customers want products they can trust – that last for a long time and can adapt to their changing needs,” said Sophie Breton, President, Professional Business, Europe at Signify. “Signify Circle will help our professional customers in Europe to make informed choices about the products and services they need to support their circular economy ambitions.” Built on a foundation of responsible business Brighter Lives, Better World 2030 is underpinned by Signify’s long-term commitments to low nature-impact manufacturing, inclusive workplaces, fair working conditions throughout the value chain, and expanding access to lighting for underserved communities – ensuring growth is built on transparency, inclusiveness and respect for human rights. Progress on Signify’s Brighter Lives, Better World 2030 program will be reported on a quarterly basis, in line with the company’s financial results. 1 “Global electricity demand is set to grow by over 3.5% a year to 2030” Data just released from IEA https://www.iea.org/news/global-electricity-demand-is-set-to-grow-strongly-to-2030-underscoring-need-for-investments-in-grids-and-flexibility?utm_content=buffer98608&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Ideal Commercial Heating ECOMOD Natural Refrigerant Heat Pump Range Capacity Increases with New 65kw Model

Ideal Commercial Heating ECOMOD Natural Refrigerant Heat Pump Range Capacity Increases with New 65kw Model

Building on the success of its ECOMOD 290HT natural refrigerant commercial heat pumps, Ideal Commercial Heating has expanded the range to include a 65kW model to meet demand for higher output systems.  This takes the ECOMOD 290HT range to four chassis sizes and six available outputs, from 15kW to 65kW. ECOMOD 290HT monobloc air source heat pumps have an exceptionally low global warming potential (GWP) of just three, thanks to the use of R290 natural refrigerant. The lower the GWP, the lower the contribution to climate change. Furthermore, with the 2014 F-Gas Regulations and, more recently, the EU’s Regulation 2024/573 pushing for a refrigerant phase-down, the use of low-GWP refrigerants helps future proof investments made in natural refrigerant heat pumps. The new ECOMOD 290HT 65kW has a maximum flow temperature of 70°C and an excellent coefficient of performance (CoP) of up to 4.6 which means it produces up to 4.6 units of heat for every single unit of electrical energy consumed. You can also cascade up to seven of these new 65kW models for where greater heating outputs are required. Whilst an integral control unit is included as standard, optional control units are available for cascade and where no BMS is present. As with other ECOMOD heat pumps, the ECOMOD 290HT 65kW can be used in a hybrid heating system.  It integrates seamlessly with other Ideal Commercial Heating products – including the EVOMAX 2 and IMAX XTRA 2 condensing boilers – to create efficient, low-carbon hybrid heating solutions. Commenting on this latest addition to the ECOMOD range, Chris Caton, Product Director – Commercial, at Ideal Heating said: “Ideal Heating has been providing heating solutions for the UK market for well over 100 years.  We have stood the test of time and built a reputation based on our ability to deliver customers with quality, reliable commercial heating solutions that meet contemporary market conditions.  Investing further in our ECOMOD heat pump range, including our latest natural refrigerant models, enables us to provide an even wider range of outputs to meet the changing needs of our customers.  As the market for heat pumps continues to grow, we will continue to stay ahead of the curve, delivering products and solutions that will support market needs now and in to the future.” All ECOMOD heat pumps are backed by a five-year warranty when commissioned by Ideal Commercial Heating. Ideal Commercial Heating remains the only manufacturer to continuously provide a free commissioning service across its commercial ECOMOD heat pumps and condensing boilers, helping contractors save time and reduce costs, whilst ensuring optimal system setup and performance. Ideal Commercial Heating continues to deliver advanced commercial heating solutions developed in line with emerging technologies, market requirements, and environmental legislation. For more details, visit: idealcommercialheating.com/products/ecomod-290ht Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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LEDVANCE introduces urban wall vario: Flexible façade where lighting meets performance

LEDVANCE introduces urban wall vario: Flexible façade where lighting meets performance

Façade lighting plays an important role in shaping how buildings are perceived after dark, while also supporting the safety and usability of outdoor spaces. For residential, hospitality and commercial environments, wall luminaires must deliver not only visual impact, but also durability, efficiency and installation flexibility. When specifying exterior wall lighting, professionals must consider a number of factors, including light distribution, colour temperature, glare control, environmental protection and long-term reliability. Increasingly, there is also demand for solutions that offer adaptability on site, allowing lighting effects to be fine-tuned to suit different architectural styles and changing project requirements. To meet these needs, LEDVANCE has expanded its outdoor luminaire portfolio with the URBAN WALL VARIO – a highly versatile, decorative wall light designed to combine architectural aesthetics with robust outdoor performance. URBAN WALL VARIO is designed to provide upward, downward or combined up-and-down light emission, enabling specifiers and installers to accentuate façade textures, highlight entrances and create depth and visual interest across building elevations. Interchangeable reflectors are supplied as standard, allowing beam angles of 30° for more focused accent lighting or 55° for a wider, softer distribution, making it easy to tailor the lighting effect to the application. On-site adjustability allows lighting effects to be fine-tuned during or after installation, with discreet controls enabling changes to light direction, colour tone and output without affecting the clean external appearance. This allows more sensitive integration of lighting with different façade materials and architectural styles. Built for long-term outdoor use, the luminaire combines robust construction with protection against weather, impact and temperature extremes, making it suitable for a wide range of exterior settings. High durability and extended service life also help to reduce maintenance demands over the lifetime of the installation. Durability remains just as critical, especially in exposed outdoor locations where luminaires must withstand weather, temperature fluctuations and physical impact over many years of operation. URBAN WALL VARIO is rated IP65 for protection against dust and water ingress and IK08 for impact resistance, with a robust aluminium housing and C4 corrosion protection to ensure long-term performance in challenging external environments. A long lifetime of up to 100,000 hours (L70/B10) further reduces maintenance requirements and supports lower whole-life costs. From an installation perspective, efficiency and adaptability are also high on the priority list. With dual cable entries for through-wiring, snap-in connectors and a mounting design that allows installation in either orientation, the luminaire accommodates varied wiring approaches and simplifies coordination on site, helping to reduce installation time on fast-paced projects. For projects requiring intelligent control and seamless integration with building management systems, URBAN WALL VARIO is also available with DALI-2 control gear. These versions enable precise digital dimming, individual addressing and flexible grouping zones. Head of Project Sales at LEDVANCE UK – David Goddard adds, “Architectural lighting should enhance a building’s character while standing up to the realities of outdoor use. Our aim with URBAN WALL VARIO was to create a solution that supports creative façade lighting while also addressing the practical challenges faced by designers and installers on site.” Supported by LEDVANCE’s technical guidance and project support services, the URBAN WALL VARIO range is positioned to help professionals deliver exterior lighting schemes that balance visual quality, reliability and ease of implementation across a wide variety of outdoor applications.  For more information, contact LEDVANCE UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Signify’s solar hybrid lighting brings new energy and increased safety to Edinburgh’s parks

Signify’s solar hybrid lighting brings new energy and increased safety to Edinburgh’s parks

Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the world leader in lighting, has partnered with the City of Edinburgh Council to install a hybrid solar connected lighting system in several of the city’s parks, creating safer, more welcoming spaces while advancing Edinburgh’s sustainability goals. The new technology is already lighting pathways in Baronscourt Park, Hailes Quarry Park, and Ferniehill, with an off-grid solar solution now in place in Dundas.  The project includes a mix of installing lighting in parks where the installation was limited and upgrading the existing lighting where the parks were insufficiently lit. Solar hybrid luminaires draw on solar energy when sufficient sunlight is available and switch seamlessly to grid power in low-light conditions, ensuring reliable light levels throughout the year. The lights are equipped with motion sensors that inform the system to deliver the right level of light at the right time. This intelligent solution reduces energy consumption and avoids unnecessary light output, helping to protect the area’s rich natural environment. The illuminated pathways enhance security for pedestrians and cyclists, encouraging greater use of the park during evening hours and fostering stronger community engagement. The improved lighting supports more active lifestyles and social interaction, turning these parks into vibrant community spaces during the evening. “Working with Signify on the Baronscourt Park project, has been transformative for our city,” said Councillor Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener at the City of Edinburgh Council. “The innovative solar-powered lighting system has not only enhanced safety for park users during evening hours but also aligns perfectly with our sustainability and climate goals. By reducing grid energy consumption by 53% and minimizing ecological disruption, this project sets a new benchmark for environmentally sensitive urban development. I’m also pleased that the technology has been rolled out in three other parks, namely Ferniehill, Hailes Quarry and Dundas.   She added, “The community response has been overwhelmingly positive, and we’re proud to lead the way with a solution that balances safety, sustainability, and innovation. This collaboration demonstrates how technology and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand to benefit both people and nature. This initiative sets a new standard for sustainable and connected public lighting systems. I’m proud that Edinburgh has taken the lead here as the first UK city to implement such a scheme.” In partnership with distribution specialist Street Lighting Supplies, the Council and Signify deployed SunStay Gen2 Hybrid solar luminaires, equipped with outdoor multisensors and connected through Interact City, Signify’s advanced lighting management platform. The system operates at 20% light levels when paths are empty and brightens automatically when people approach. This approach balances energy efficiency, safety, and cost effectiveness, and provides a safer and overall more satisfactory solution than switching lights off overnight, which some cities have done to reduce energy bills. Through Interact City, managers can remotely monitor lighting performance, track real-time energy usage, and analyse pathway activity. Data-driven insights help city planners understand how people use the parks and guide future lighting decisions. Beyond safety and efficiency, the system’s smart dimming and grouping functionalities limit illumination to areas needed, minimizing disturbance to wildlife in ecologically sensitive zones and protecting biodiversity in the parks. Commenting on the project, Michelle McLaughlin, Key Account Manager, said ‘The vision for this project was rooted in environmental responsibility and community empowerment. The Council aimed to enhance safety by illuminating park pathways while minimizing reliance on grid electricity and protecting the park’s ecosystem. The solution also sought to adapt dynamically to user activity and provide actionable data for future improvements. We are proud to be a part of such a great initiative and are happy that our solutions can benefit the visitors of the parks’’ The City of Edinburgh is now building on the success of the parks project with plans to explore additional Interact City capabilities, such as integrating weather data to further optimize energy use and reduce grid dependency. Regular community feedback sessions will help ensure the system continues to meet residents’ needs while advancing Edinburgh’s progress toward net-zero. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Carrier Solutions UK Delivers Complete HVAC Refurbishment for Bannatyne Health Club & Spa, Wellingborough

Carrier Solutions UK Delivers Complete HVAC Refurbishment for Bannatyne Health Club & Spa

Carrier Solutions UK supplied a Toshiba climate control solution for Bannatyne Health Club & Spa in Wellingborough, delivering a complete HVAC refurbishment to improve customer comfort and operational efficiency. Carrier Solutions UK Ltd (formerly Toshiba Carrier UK Ltd) is a part of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR), global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions. The eight-week project involved decommissioning and removing ageing R407c split systems that had reached the end of their useful lives. These systems were proving costly for Bannatyne Group to maintain, making a modern replacement essential to enhance performance and reduce operating expenses. Ventec Services Ltd, the appointed installation contractor, selected Toshiba products for their high efficiency, reliability and tailored climate control capabilities. Equipment was procured through one of Carrier’s preferred distributors, Cool Designs Ltd, ensuring a smooth and reliable supply chain throughout the project. The installed solution included Toshiba Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems, featuring SMMSu Heat Pump 2-pipe and SHRMe Heat Recovery 3-pipe models, as well as Toshiba Digital Inverter R32 single, twin and triple split units. The project also replaced outdated DX cooling coils and condensing units within the club’s air handling units. Key features of the new installation include inverter-driven compressors, which adjust heating and cooling output in response to real-time demand, thereby reducing power consumption during periods of low usage. A Toshiba Black Pear Central Controller was also installed, allowing the club’s General Manager to control different temperature settings across the gym, studios, spa areas and offices from within the main office. Careful planning ensured the project was completed outside opening hours, thereby minimising disruption to daily operations. “Working with Ventec and Carrier Solutions UK ensured a hassle-free installation,” said Stuart Maclachlan, Regional Manager at Bannatyne Group. “The Toshiba system has improved comfort and both members and staff have noticed the difference.” Richard Goose, Director of Ventec Services Ltd, added: “The collaboration between Ventec, Bannatyne and Carrier Solutions UK made this project a great success. Toshiba’s systems were the ideal choice for their efficiency and flexibility and we’re proud to have delivered a solution that exceeds client expectations.” For more information on Toshiba products, visit: https://www.toshiba-aircon.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Signify Joins Sustainable Ventures to Accelerate Climate Tech Innovation and Net-Zero Solution

Signify Joins Sustainable Ventures to Accelerate Climate Tech Innovation and Net-Zero Solution

Signify (Euronext: LIGHT). the world leader in lighting, today announced it has joined Sustainable Ventures. Europe’s leading climate tech growth partner as a corporate partner. Through this partnership, Signify will bring its innovative connected lighting solutions to Sustainable Ventures’ workspaces across the UK, a showcase in how climate tech solutions can support the UK’s mission to achieve Net Zero by 2050. Through the partnership Signify will also collaborate with Sustainable Ventures across their innovation programmes, contributing industry expertise, and exploring opportunities for co-creation in areas such as decarbonisation, net zero planning, intelligent buildings, circularity, and digital energy management. Signify will also join Sustainable Ventures’ workspace community, gaining access to their hubs across the country, which are designed to embody One Planet Living principles. Powered by renewable energy and built with circular principles and a sustainability-first design, these spaces provide an environment that reflects and reinforces the values driving the climate tech community as well as Signify’s commitment to sustainability. “The climate-tech sector is growing at an exciting pace, and we at Signify are proud to support that momentum by joining Sustainable Ventures. Collaborating with pioneering innovators who are part of Sustainable Ventures will enable us to amplify our impact across industries. Lighting plays a pivotal role in driving energy savings and enabling smarter, more efficient buildings. Our membership reinforces our commitment to advancing technologies that support decarbonisation, improve energy efficiency, and accelerate meaningful climate action on the path to a low-carbon future.” said Nico van der Merwe, CEO, Signify UKI. Simon Brown. Partner. Corporate Innovation. Sustainable Ventures. commented. “We are thrilled to welcome Signify to our climate tech community. The lighting solutions that Signify have retrofitted into our unique London workspace at County Hall are truly fantastic and tell the story of what’s possible when retrofitting sustainable lighting solutions into a Grade II listed building. But what I am most excited about is extending this collaboration into our broader ecosystem, where we can connect Signify’s expertise with our 1,000+ startups and other key partners. This integrated support model is what truly accelerates the deployment of commercial innovation needed to drive net-zero solutions at scale” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Signify launches Interact emergency lighting system for seamless cloud-based control, monitoring and testing of emergency lighting

Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the world leader in lighting has launched a new wireless emergency lighting portfolio andmonitoring system, enabling building managers to control, monitor and test emergency lighting and produce compliance reports, through a secure cloud-based dashboard. Powered by Signify’s Interact connected lighting system developed for intelligent buildings, the new system enhances the testing process by automating function and duration tests, while delivering data insights and health status alerts. Interact Building Manager enables building operators to monitor and manage both general and emergency lighting through a cloud-based dashboard. This supports multiple testing schedules and delivers detailed reports for regulatory documentation and reporting. The system also simplifies maintenance and supports compliance with emergency lighting standards as per local regulations. James Bennett, Commercial Director – Signify UK&I said “For building managers and maintenance teams alike, regular testing and maintenance of emergency lighting is crucial, but can be time-consuming and prone to human error. Signify’s new wireless emergency lighting portfolio and Interact Building Manager provides visibility and control over your emergency lighting with regular proof of performance to ensure compliance with relevant standards while reducing operational complexity and cost.” There are several configurations to meet the varying needs of buildings: general lighting fixtures with built-in emergency capabilities and wireless exit signs and emergency lights. Everything from general lighting to emergency lighting can be commissioned and deployed under one contract and one dashboard, enabling cost savings and efficient maintenance and monitoring of an entire lighting system. James Bennett, Commercial Director – Signify UK&I further said: “With our connected wireless emergency lighting portfolio, building operators can find tailor-made solutions while also reducing cost, streamlining operations and meeting essential compliance standards. Signify’s expertise in both general and emergency lighting means we can act as a single trusted partner for a wide range of customer needs.” Interact already supports millions of connected light points in large-scale installations worldwide and is built on robust cybersecurity principles to ensure that the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of users’ data is protected and maintained. For more details, click here to learn more about Signify Interact and click here to learn more about the emergency lighting portfolio. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Who Offers the Most Affordable New Transformers With Quick Delivery?

Who Offers the Most Affordable New Transformers With Quick Delivery?

Transformers are the backbone of reliable power for utilities, industrial sites and large construction projects. When a substation upgrade or emergency replacement is on the line, two things matter greatly — price and how fast a supplier can deliver. In a tight North American market where lead times stretch into months, buyers need vendors with real inventory, transparent pricing and logistics muscle to hit commercial operation dates. What to Look for in a High-Quality Transformer Procurement teams should benchmark manufacturers on compliance, engineering depth, life cycle cost and delivery readiness.  Look for IEEE/ANSI compliance, UL listing where applicable and documented factory test routines. Ask about core steel grades, winding design, tap changer options, and monitoring packages like dissolved gas analysis, bushing monitors and hot-spot temperature sensors for predictive maintenance.  Pricing ranges in the United States vary by spec and size. For example, a common pole-mounted distribution transformer will cost less than a typical three-phase pad-mounted unit for commercial service. At the fleet level, the total cost of ownership comes down to efficiency class, cooling design, fluid choice and warranty support.  Why is fast delivery a challenge for many transformer manufacturers? According to Wood Mackenzie, U.S. demand for power transformers has surged 116% since 2019, while demand for distribution transformers increased 41% — driven mostly by rising electricity use and grid projects.  The same research agency expects 2025 supply deficits of about 30% for power transformers and 10% for distribution units. Imports are expected to supply approximately 80% of U.S. power transformers and 50% of distribution units in 2025. These dynamics push prices up and extend lead times, which is why suppliers with inventory or accelerated programs stand out.  10 Top Providers of Affordable New Transformers Large power transformers average $500,000 to $3 million, depending on voltage class, rating and options. That capital outlay is tough for many smaller utilities and Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) teams, so providers that blend competitive pricing with quick ship capacity reduce schedule and budget risks.  1. Sunbelt Solomon Sunbelt Solomon is one of North America’s most visible transformer suppliers with nationwide service coverage and a strong inventory. The company maintains Quick-Ship stock for pole-mount and pad-mount distribution units, and it highlights immediate shipment on select models.  Sunbelt also supplies new components alongside surplus and reconditioned options, which helps match budgets and schedules across different project scopes. Products include liquid-filled and dry-tape padmounts, along with field services for commissioning and maintenance. For buyers racing against a deadline, the quick-ship landing page and “available for immediate shipment” options help preserve project timelines. Coverage is national through multiple field teams and facilities.  Sunbelt Solomon is frequently used for emergency replacements, capital upgrades and temporary bypass service during substation work. Quotes often include freight timing and coordination with site receiving, so crews can plan with confidence.  2. GE Vernova For engineered power transformers, GE Vernova Grid Solutions covers everything from medium to ultra-high voltage with ratings from 5 mega-volt amperes (MVA) to 2,750 MVA, including high-voltage direct current (HVDC) and phase-shifting variants. Designs emphasize digital monitoring and high-efficiency cooling to cut losses.  While large units are typically made to order, GE Vernova announced recent U.S. factory investments aimed at capacity growth and delivery performance — welcome news for schedule-sensitive projects. Buyers seeking utility-grade generator step-up or auto transformers will value the breadth and installed base of these products. Engineering teams can support custom impedance, loss and noise targets for sensitive sites. A broad installed base with utilities and independent power producers helps procurement benchmark life cycle performance. 3. ELSCO Transformers ELSCO Transformers focuses on the emergency replacement of pad-mount and dry-type distribution transformers, offering fast delivery through its Quick-Ship program. If the right unit is in stock, it can ship within 24 to 48 hours.  ELSCO says it maintains 95% availability of dry-type units with popular voltage ratings, such as 2400, 4160, 12470, 13200 and 13800. It also runs a rapid response team for outage situations. This offering is suited for plants, campuses and municipalities that need a fast, like-for-like medium-voltage unit.  Stock is concentrated on common kilovolt-amperes (kVA) sizes with standard accessories to simplify interchangeability. Clear datasheets and test reports can speed up internal approvals during emergency outages.  4. Daelim Transformer Daelim Transformer manufactures ANSI/IEEE-compliant distribution and substation transformers and has taken steps to shorten delivery times to U.S. customers. In mid-2025, it announced the pre-positioning of over 500 UL-listed pad-mounted transformers across the country for urgent applications, targeting data centers and high-load sites.  For standard pad-mount ratings, Daelim also markets swift production timelines and expertise in North American standards. This mix of U.S.-stocked inventory and factory capacity can help hit tight in-service dates while keeping unit costs competitive. Units arrive configured with U.S. practices, including tamper-proof cabinets and common bushing layouts. Buyers who standardize a narrow set of ratings often use Daelim to stabilize costs across various projects.  5. MGM Transformers MGM Transformers is a major U.S. distribution transformer manufacturer with an explicit expedited program. The Bull Rush program offers fast solutions in as little as five working days on select models — backed by a broad catalog that includes liquid-filled and dry-type units for commercial and industrial applications, battery energy storage systems, and renewables. For projects with near-term energization, Bull Rush is a concrete path to reduce schedule risk without sacrificing spec compliance.  Requests for special taps or enclosure variations can be reviewed under the expedited window case by case. The company’s North American footprint helps reduce shipping uncertainty during peak seasons.  6. Evernew Transformer Evernew Transformer is a long-standing Chinese transformer manufacturer exporting oil-filled and dry-type units worldwide, including Canada and the U.S. Its portfolio spans pole-mount, tabletop, substation and power transformers up to high-voltage classes.  Buyers often consider Evernew for factory-direct pricing on new builds, then plan around freight to meet their schedules. For U.S. projects, confirm UL and IEEE/ANSI alignment on the exact model and build, taking customs lead time into account when comparing the landed cost against domestic quick-ship options.

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Headline sponsor Baxi to showcase low-carbon heating and hot water solution expertise at elementalLONDON 2025

Headline sponsor Baxi to showcase low-carbon heating and hot water solution expertise at elementalLONDON 2025

Baxi is proud to be headline sponsor of elementalLONDON 2025, the dedicated event for built environment professionals responsible for reducing energy use and carbon emissions in commercial and large-scale residential projects. With a full stand on C20 showcasing its low carbon heating and hot water solutions, Baxi’s heat experts are looking forward to meeting fellow professionals from across the industry at what is set to be an inspiring show on 19 to 20 November at London ExCel. Visitors to the stand will have the opportunity to see up close: The Baxi team is looking forward to discussing the complete engineered solutions the company provides, backed with strong technical support from pre-contract design services through to commissioning and servicing. There will also be the opportunity to find out more about Baxi’s CIBSE-approved series of CPD courses, designed to support professionals in maintaining and improving competence and expertise. Baxi’s Director of External Affairs & Policy Jeff House and Head of Technical Solutions Andy Green will be among the experts offering actionable insights into decarbonisation at a series of panel sessions at the show. The first, Decarbonising Heat in Schools: Challenges and Opportunities will take place at 2:45pm on 19 November at the Climate Solutions Theatre, where the pair will be joined by Oakes Energy Services MD Nik Smith and Jim Kirby, Energy Consultant at The Priory Federation of Academies Trust. The panel will discuss existing barriers hampering progress in decarbonising UK schools, as revealed by a recent Baxi survey, and draw on experience and insight to suggest solutions and best practice approaches to accelerate uptake of heat pump deployment. For the second session, Andy Green will be joined by David Coulter, Certified Passivhaus Designer at BakerHicks to reflect on the importance of the hot water design strategy in low energy designs.  The role of point of use water heaters in meeting Passivhaus principles will use the design for Scotland’s first Passivhaus-accredited primary school, which uses Baxi’s Heatrae Sadia point of use water heaters, as a case study for achieving best practice energy performance. This session will take place at 11:25am on 20 November at the CIBSE Build2Perform Synergy Theatre. Shane Suter, Commercial Business Director at Baxi, will join the Construction Inclusion Coalition (CIC) led panel Why Inclusion Matters: Building a Better Future in Construction at 4:20pm on 19 November in the CIBSE Influence Theatre. Baxi is one of the founding members of the CIC, and Shane is passionate about driving sustainability and decarbonisation while championing inclusive leadership and greater diversity within the industry. Shane said: “It’s well established that a shift towards low carbon heating solutions like air source heat pumps and heat networks will be essential to keep the UK on track with 2050 net zero. Yet the reality is that commercial buildings are currently not being retrofitted at the pace or scale necessary to meet our critical milestones. “ElementalLONDON will bring together like-minded industry professionals under one roof to share successful techniques and come up with achievable strategies to the heat decarbonisation challenge. That’s what makes the show such an important event and why we at Baxi are so proud to be this year’s headline sponsor. We’re looking forward to showcasing our range of low carbon heating and hot water solutions, as well as to lively debates on our stand and at our panel discussions. We can’t wait to network and talk net zero!” Further information on Baxi’s range of commercial hot water and heating solutions is available at https://www.baxi.co.uk/commercial.  Baxi is headline sponsor of elementalLONDON 2025 and will be exhibiting on Stand C20. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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