Products & Materials : Building Systems & Appliances News
Affordable HVAC Systems for Rental Properties

Affordable HVAC Systems for Rental Properties

Every rental property needs a high-performance heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system to keep tenants cool and comfortable. Choosing a system that balances cutting-edge technology with affordability is key to making a sound investment that lowers monthly utilities and prevents complaints.  The question is where to find the most

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Pick Everard appointed to verify MEP systems at Victoria and Albert Museum

Pick Everard appointed to verify MEP systems at Victoria and Albert Museum

Multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard has been appointed to provide an in-depth MEP analysis of the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) estate to ensure efficient operation and a comfortable environment for visitors. Pick Everard will deliver a full mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) asset verification, which will kickstart the procurement of facilities management

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Upgrade to London waste site reaps benefits from Cerberus PRO

Upgrade to London waste site reaps benefits from Cerberus PRO

The capabilities of Siemens Cerberus PRO to perform effectively in harsh environmental conditions is being demonstrated in a project to protect one of North London’s busiest recycling facilities. Islington Waste Recycling Centre is operated by Islington Council and is one of seven refuse and recycling sites in North London which

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Legrand Launches State-of-the-Art Lighting Control Platform

Legrand Launches State-of-the-Art Lighting Control Platform

Legrand UK & Ireland has launched a state-of-the-art lighting control platform, designed to meet the needs of diverse buildings, including high-end office developments, sports stadia, large hospitals and other major infrastructure developments. Wattstopper PLUS, powered by Encelium technology, offers a platform that works with Legrand’s range of CP Electronics DALI-2

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Signify, Pineapple Partnerships and Schneider Electric Launch Pineapple CoRE, a Collaboration to Accelerate Decarbonisation in Commercial Real Estate

Signify, Pineapple Partnerships and Schneider Electric Launch Pineapple CoRE, a Collaboration to Accelerate Decarbonisation in Commercial Real Estate

Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the world leader in lighting, Pineapple Partnerships, the systems change focused consultancy, and Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, today announced Pineapple CoRE, a strategic collaboration designed to accelerate decarbonization across the the commercial and industrial property sector. Initially focusing

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fire safety solutions siemens

Irish Prisons Benefit from Siemens Fire Safety Upgrade

A fire safety solution from Siemens for the Irish Prison Service (IPS) is providing protection for inmates and staff across eight prisons, significantly reducing the chances of false alarms while saving valuable resources. The IPS, operating under the Department of Justice, is a crucial part of the criminal justice system.

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Latest Issue
Issue 332 : Sept 2025

Products & Materials : Building Systems & Appliances News

Aggreko Strengthens European Industrial HVAC expertise with two strategic appointments

Aggreko Strengthens European Industrial HVAC expertise with two strategic appointments

Global leader in energy solutions Aggreko has bolstered its industrial HVAC and process temperature specialist support with two appointments across its European team. With over four decades of cross-sector experience at Aggreko between them, Andreas Essmann is now Business Development Manager for Temperature Control and HVAC in Europe North, while Christophe Chihaoui is Head of Temperature Control for France, and supporting Europe South. They join recently appointed Head of Temperature Control for the UK, Chris Smith, on Aggreko specialist industrial HVAC and process temperature control team working across a range of sectors, including the construction industry. This includes providing temporary and supplementary cooling, heating and dehumidification solutions to support with on-site maintenance works, system upgrades, temperature spikes and unexpected outages throughout the year. The appointments come following prolonged periods of extreme and unpredictable weather over the summer, including record temperatures reached during heatwaves[1]. Such conditions have been cause for concern for safety on sites and potential for operational and process temperature challenges. The prolonged periods of heat have led to growing strain on HVAC systems across industries, resulting in further demand from businesses and their appointed contractors for reliable and efficient temporary alternatives during critical maintenance and upgrade schedules. Early forecasts for the coming winter have conversely predicted colder than normal temperatures to face Europe with areas over the North-West and Southern Europe set to experience above average rainfall[2]. Responding to this, Aggreko is warning HVAC contractors and engineers, facilities managers and businesses across sectors to ensure they have plans in place to mitigate challenges caused by changing weather throughout the year. To support construction sites to remain resilient through unpredictable and extreme weather across the year, Aggreko has invested significantly in its fleet. Through its new team of specialists leveraging Aggreko’s extensive energy expertise, customers will also be able to receive integrated assistance using the company’s innovative power and temperature control fleet to boost efficiency and resilience. This includes accessing the latest offerings from Aggreko’s Greener Upgrades™ portfolio, such as hybrid temperature control solutions using battery energy storage systems alongside Stage V generators to save fuel, reduce emissions and improve reliability. On his appointment, Andreas said: “I am pleased to be leading the charge working with across Europe North to satisfy their temperature control needs. With rising temperatures and increasing demand for reliable, efficient HVAC systems, it is more important than ever that we support businesses with solutions capable of adapting to not only the changing weather patterns, but their evolving needs too. At Aggreko, we have made significant investment in our expertise and solutions meet the demands of industrial customers in Europe North and I look forward to leading our expert engineering teams to deliver this.” Christophe said: “Extreme weather conditions we have been seeing across France can have a significant impact on HVAC systems, and customers are finding themselves in need of additional capacity, fast. As part of this team, we have the expertise to help these companies plan for their requirements throughout the year and implement the correct technologies quickly. I’m excited to get started and help our customers futureproof their industrial HVAC, process temperature and efficient power solutions so they are prepared for anything.” Robert Wells, Europe President at Aggreko, said: “We are committed to ensuring our solutions and expertise respond to the changing needs of our customers to deliver the efficiency, reliability and sustainability they need on site. As unpredictable European weather continues to pose challenges, the appointment of two experienced experts into a dedicated team aimed at supporting our customers with their evolving industrial HVAC and process temperature is a central part of this. Alongside Chris Smith, Head of Temperature Control for the UK and Ireland, Andreas and Christophe bring together over six decades of on the ground experience across our key sectors in Europe and can ensure we can bring deep local knowledge backed by our global expertise.” Click the link for more information about Aggreko’s industrial HVAC and process temperature control solutions [1] https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/aug/13/temperature-records-heatwave-europe-france-croatia-wildfires [2] https://www.severe-weather.eu/long-range-2/winter-2025-2026-early-forecast-la-nina-polar-vortex-cold-pattern-united-states-canada-europe-fa/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Affordable HVAC Systems for Rental Properties

Affordable HVAC Systems for Rental Properties

Every rental property needs a high-performance heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system to keep tenants cool and comfortable. Choosing a system that balances cutting-edge technology with affordability is key to making a sound investment that lowers monthly utilities and prevents complaints.  The question is where to find the most cost-effective options for rental dwellings. Whether you are equipping a single-family unit or a multifamily complex, these brands have the right system for optimal well-being. Ingrams Water & Air Equipment (IWAE) delivers a wide range of complete HVAC systems, components and accessories at wholesale prices. As a supplier, it provides units from reputable brands like Goodman and MrCool, each supported by manufacturer and IWAE warranties.  The team is an excellent resource for helping customers decide on an appropriate product that fits their property and budget. The company prides itself on customer satisfaction and helping you save money.   Ordering is easy online with secure checkout. IWAE aims to ship products within 24 to 36 hours. You can also return or replace faulty purchases within 30 days for a full refund, provided you pay a 15% restocking fee and return shipping costs when sending back unwanted items. In addition to an array of free resources — including how-to manuals, buying guides, and other articles and videos — IWAE offers complimentary technical support throughout your product’s lifetime. You can contact the support team by phone for setup instructions, troubleshooting or other guidance. Key Features 2. AC Direct AC Direct offers a 125% low price guarantee and free shipping on HVAC unit purchases over $1,500. It carries brands like Daikin, Goodman, Honeywell, Aprilaire and Nest. While some suppliers provide additional services like sizing and installation, AC Direct focuses more on discounted prices — you will need to contact a local contractor to assist with the rest.  This online wholesaler ships throughout the United States, except Alaska and Hawaii. You can expect delivery within five to 10 business days, excluding holidays and weekends. Items eligible for returns are subject to a 15% restocking fee, and you are also responsible for insured freight costs. All items sold by AC Direct come with a manufacturer’s warranty, which you can read about under each product listing or look for on the individual manufacturer’s website. To ensure coverage, you must register your equipment as soon as a contractor installs it, sending proof of installation to AC Direct within 45 days.  Key Features 3. Amana  Amana has created quality HVAC products since 1934. It manufactures and tests its products in its 4.2-million-square-foot facility in Texas to guarantee they exceed customer expectations. Through its website, you can easily search for expert dealers who have undergone comprehensive training on Amana equipment. Your brand dealer can service your HVAC equipment based on the product, your regional codes and climate needs. Once you register your purchase, your system could be eligible for a 10-year unit replacement limited warranty, a 99-year heat exchanger limited warranty and a 10-year parts limited warranty. You can also opt for the extended warranty policy through Asure.  No one knows Amana products better than its in-house specialists. If you have questions about its inventory, you can contact a representative by completing the online form or calling the primary office.  Key Features 4. YORK YORK is a renowned brand for heating and cooling systems for residential and commercial properties. In addition to its quality products, YORK’s life cycle services include 24-hour equipment repairs and proactive maintenance. Opt for a tiered service plan that fits your budget, including regular service schedules, routine diagnostics and complete retrofits to maintain various components. Over 3,000 YORK dealers in the U.S. are trained on its equipment. This allows it to provide superior service and support for your rental property’s HVAC system. On its website, you can search for a Certified Comfort Expert near you.  Many YORK products are eligible for energy efficiency rebates, helping you save money and improve your building’s sustainability. All YORK products also come with standard warranties and extended coverage options for specific equipment when you register your system within 90 days of purchase.  Key Features 5. Lennox Lennox is a popular commercial and residential HVAC brand known for its cutting-edge climate solutions. Enter your ZIP code to search for a dealer. Independent partners maintain North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certification and have completed 40 hours of factory training. Its award-winning products come with SilentComfort technology for quieter operation and two-stage cooling that is more even and longer-running.To match superior engineering efficiency with affordable pricing, Lennox distributors typically offer rebates and financing options to help lower costs.  Landlords of multiple multifamily properties can use the manufacturer’s National Account Services program for preventive maintenance, repairs and replacements. All products come with a basic five-year warranty. However, you can also choose the extended warranty for another five years of coverage. Key Features 6. Carrier Carrier has raised the bar in HVAC innovations by improving indoor comfort with climate solutions and building automation. Authorized dealers are experts in local weather patterns and brand inventory, helping you decide the best products for your property. Its online system recommendation tool suggests several options that would work best for you.  With Carrier, you can benefit from more balanced humidity and moisture management. The Ideal Humidity System technology removes up to 400% more air moisture than similar systems. Its product designs include compressor sound blankets and rubber compressor isolation grommets for 50% quieter operation. This manufacturer tests each product rigorously under extreme conditions to ensure long-lasting performance and durability, including salt spray, high humidity, and significantly high and low temperatures. Carrier offers a 10-year parts replacement warranty on registered products to further guarantee their quality.  Key Features 7. American Standard  American Standard has an extensive inventory of heating and cooling equipment, ductless systems and packaged systems to ensure optimal air quality and comfort at your rental property. This brand stands out for installing over 5 million units and rigorously testing products at its Systems Extreme Environmental Testing laboratory. Search

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Pick Everard appointed to verify MEP systems at Victoria and Albert Museum

Pick Everard appointed to verify MEP systems at Victoria and Albert Museum

Multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard has been appointed to provide an in-depth MEP analysis of the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) estate to ensure efficient operation and a comfortable environment for visitors. Pick Everard will deliver a full mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) asset verification, which will kickstart the procurement of facilities management services for the organisation. The high-profile commission spans six sites, covering more than 120,000m², and includes the iconic South Kensington flagship museum, the Young V&A, the new V&A East Museum, and key support facilities across London and Wiltshire. The project aims to establish a unified asset register for key MEP equipment, detailing their condition, functionality and effectiveness. The data will also underpin long-term maintenance, compliance, lifecycle planning, and capital investment strategies. Led by Associate Director for Building Services Dean Burroughs, with support from Pick Everard’s London and regional engineering teams, the project is structured into three phases: a desktop review and gap analysis, followed by stakeholder engagement and on-site surveys. Dean said: “Our approach ensures minimal disruption to daily operations while maintaining technical consistency across this complex heritage estate. We’re also working closely with V&A stakeholders to align our methodology and outputs with their broader estate strategy. “Work such as this in the cultural and heritage sector, backed by engineering expertise is  essential to ensure the safe and efficient operation and management of landmark sites across the UK. “An MEP valuation is the first step in creating a positive impact on the employee and visitor experience. It is vital our heritage and cultural attractions remain functional and comfortable locations to work in and visit so they continue to play an important role in the economy. “The appointment by the V&A highlights the strength of Pick Everard’s MEP team and our growing reputation for delivering high-quality, data-led consultancy across the country’s most significant estates.” All data across the estate’s building infrastructure and systems including heating, ventilation, power, lighting and plumbing, will be captured digitally using GoReport software. Final outputs will include a structured asset schedule and condition grading report aligned with CIBSE Guide M. The schedule comes complete with intelligent high-fidelity data exports and visualisations, for precision across every level of detail. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Upgrade to London waste site reaps benefits from Cerberus PRO

Upgrade to London waste site reaps benefits from Cerberus PRO

The capabilities of Siemens Cerberus PRO to perform effectively in harsh environmental conditions is being demonstrated in a project to protect one of North London’s busiest recycling facilities. Islington Waste Recycling Centre is operated by Islington Council and is one of seven refuse and recycling sites in North London which collectively manage 820,000 tonnes of waste and recycling each year. Such facilities present their own specific challenges in terms of effective fire detection, with the scale of the problem illustrated by what are referred to as 300 ‘significant fires’ attended throughout the UK by the fire and rescue services annually.[1] Waste sites process mixed recyclable waste which is collected, sorted, stockpiled and processed from a number of materials including plastics, paper, cardboard, wood and rubber. Many are highly combustible and susceptible to potential ignition from the processing machinery through which they are handled. The Islington Waste Recycling Centre had an existing 20-year-old fire detection system which required a significant upgrade to meet the new challenges of waste management, including the proliferation of disposable vapes and the threat of battery fires which are proving a more recent addition to the fire risk. TP Fire and Security is a long-standing provider of fire detection and alarm services to the Islington Council. From its three offices in Norfolk, London and the Midlands, TP offers a nationwide service in the design, installation and maintenance of fire safety systems. The company has been part of the Siemens approved partner programme for a year, having identified the opportunity to work with Siemens when Tom Warner joined the business as a fire safety engineer. Tom had previous experience of partnering with Siemens and when the Islington project came up, he recognised the potential for employing the Cerberus PRO system. One of the challenges of the waste site was the inevitable dusty environment. Siemens ASA (advanced signal analysis) detectors match the conditions of a particular site through their application-specific ASA parameter function. This allows the detectors to distinguish between a real fire and deceptive phenomena such as dust, thereby providing immunity from false alarms. Kevin Harris is Technical Design Manager at TP Fire and Security. Commenting on the project he said – “The Cerberus Pro system was perfect for this environment, with the detectors’ particular capability to operate in such a dusty environment. The project went very well, taking some seven days to complete, all while the waste facility was open and operational.” Three Cerberus PRO panels are operating across the site, interfacing with Siemens ASA detectors and call-points through the existing compliant cabling. 69 ASA detectors are located in the basement, 38 on the ground floor, 52 on the first and second floors (including the plant room), 74 in the tipping hall and 42 in the offices. Siemens has extensive experience of protecting similar waste processing facilities worldwide and worked closely with TP Fire and Security to develop a comprehensive solution which meets all fire safety regulations and standards. The Cerberus PRO system provides quick and reliable protection in the small window that exists to react and prevent a small fire becoming a potentially major incident in such a harsh and hazardous environment. [1] NFCC (National Fire Chiefs Council) For further information on Siemens Smart Infrastructure – Buildings www.siemens.co.uk/cerberus For further information on Siemens Smart Infrastructure, please seewww.siemens.com/smart-infrastructure Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Legrand Launches State-of-the-Art Lighting Control Platform

Legrand Launches State-of-the-Art Lighting Control Platform

Legrand UK & Ireland has launched a state-of-the-art lighting control platform, designed to meet the needs of diverse buildings, including high-end office developments, sports stadia, large hospitals and other major infrastructure developments. Wattstopper PLUS, powered by Encelium technology, offers a platform that works with Legrand’s range of CP Electronics DALI-2 sensors and supports compliance with Approved Document L, Volume 2. DALI-2 compliant, it can be installed in wired, wireless and hybrid configurations, making it easy to add new floors or buildings to existing systems. Wattstopper PLUS is especially flexible because it is compatible with all DALI dimmable and non-dimmable luminaires. As a result, it not only offers an excellent solution for new developments, but also for renovation works. Further compounding the benefits of Wattstopper PLUS, a substantial element of the commissioning work can be carried out off-site, thanks to the use of a system database that mimics the real-world. As a result, disruption to other construction work or building operations can be kept to a minimum, with ensuing cost savings. Moreover, Wattstopper PLUS supports compliance with Approved Document L, Volume 2, as energy usage from lighting can be calculated and reported in line with the latest statutory requirements.  Russell Vanstone, Product Manager – Connected Buildings, said: “Meeting the needs of occupants with quality lighting that continually adjusts according to changing conditions through the day can have a major impact on both wellbeing and energy consumption. Getting lighting right is critical to the success of any major development or renovation project. “Wattstopper PLUS draws upon Legrand’s decades of experience in lighting, digital building products, including sensor technologies, to deliver a high-end lighting system that caters for projects with the most stringent demands for quality lighting controls. “Our full-service project support guides projects from concept to completion with tailored solutions and end-to-end technical support. We’re on hand to assist consultants and specifiers with system layouts, integration advice and application planning, and we’re able to manage project delivery, supporting timelines, logistics and coordination. Our expert commissioning team configures and programs the system to meet performance expectations and, even after installation is complete, we offer remote and on-site support, diagnostics and servicing for the full lifecycle of the building.” Legrand will be showcasing its range of Connected Buildings products at LiGHT25 this year. Visit stand T14 for a demonstration and to find out more. To find out more about Wattstopper PLUS, please visit Legrand.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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FIFA Quality Programme announces Signify as a FIFA Preferred Provider for Floodlights

FIFA Quality Programme announces Signify as a FIFA Preferred Provider for Floodlights

Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the world leader in lighting has been selected as Preferred Provider for floodlights by the global governing body of association football, FIFA. This means that Signify’s floodlights meet the highest quality FIFA standards and Signify is a trusted and recommended provider within the football industry. As a FIFA Preferred Provider for Floodlights (FPP), Signify meets rigorous product, production and system infrastructure performance requirements. Signify will also work with the FIFA Quality Programme to drive research and development in sports floodlighting, advancing technical standards for the future. Signify’s stadium floodlights have revolutionized the game-day experience. World-class illumination helps ensure optimal match experience for players, spectators and millions of TV viewers. Superior floodlighting plays a key part in supporting optical-based technologies such as video assistant referee technology, goal-line technology and optical tracking systems. Signify’s stadium lighting also provides opportunities for additional entertainment at major events, for example entertaining fans with customized light shows before, during and after games. Stadiums working with Signify as part of its FIFA Preferred Provider status can draw on a wide range of technology, including: Each lighting system can be managed remotely across the venue, including pitch, stadium façade and hospitality areas, helping to improve operational efficiency. Signify floodlighting is currently being used at world-class stadiums across the globe, including Stadion Feijenoord in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, where a new Arenavision lighting system has improved the match day experience for all and provides energy savings of 63%1 against previous systems. Niels Geven, Signify’s International Director, Sports and Arenas said, “This recognition from FIFA, which is responsible for some of the world’s most prestigious and watched sports events, is an important milestone for Signify and a reflection of our leadership in sports lighting. High-quality illumination is hugely important in modern-day sport, especially top-flight football. It’s vital for both player performance, officiating and broadcasting purposes, and an essential part of the match-day fan experience.” Signify has over 60 years’ experience working with sports lighting across a range of sports including football, hockey, basketball, cricket and tennis. The world leader in lighting is also the official lighting partner of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula 1 team. For more information on arena and stadium lighting, click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Signify myCreation launches Puzzle, first-of-its-kind linear and modular lighting for the workplace

Signify myCreation launches Puzzle, first-of-its-kind linear and modular lighting for the workplace

Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the world leader in lighting, launches Puzzle – the first luminaire of its kind to combine striking, continuous light with office compliance, task-ready performance and a breakthrough in sustainable design using 75% recycled PET material. This first Puzzle lighting product launches in July and is tailored to provide task lighting at desks, meeting rooms and other office environments. Available in a 4 and 5 feet linear pendant size, Puzzle is designed with a soft seamless glow that helps to improve focus while working2 and elevate and enrich workspace design. Puzzle integrates seamlessly with smart systems, such as Signify’s Interact, providing access to energy-saving features, including occupancy detection and daylight harvesting. Puzzle allows for sensors to be integrated or external, allowing flexibility depending on the ceiling design. Pendants are available in different lumen outputs with wired and wireless control options. The linear components are designed to fit together like puzzle pieces. Designed by Florent Coirier and brought to life through Signify’s cutting-edge 3D-printing technology, Puzzle also sets a new benchmark for circular lighting design. All printed parts are made from 75% recycled PET, drawn from a range of materials including bottles, carpet, polyester clothing and eye glasses. The use of 3D printing also helps minimize waste, resulting in a more efficient production process. The Puzzle range is available for customers in Europe. Further extensions will be launched next year, and are designed to create bold, layered ceiling compositions in different environments, including hospitality spaces with height and character. Bart Maeyens, Head of Signify myCreation: “At Signify myCreation, we focus on creating spaces where people want to be and love to work, while living our own purpose: leading in sustainability on the journey and designing our lighting solutions to be truly circular.” “Office requirements in terms of functionality, performance, and smart operating systems in lighting have become a standard. We sought to push the performance boundaries and, in parallel, create a new aesthetic language in the functional office category. That is what we did with Puzzle. We puzzled together function, performance, sustainability and aesthetic elegance.” Florent Coirier, designer of Puzzle said, “My design inspiration was the way pieces fit together in a jigsaw puzzle, where individual components integrate seamlessly to form one cohesive whole. The Puzzle range features clear, elegant shapes and a structure composed of square cells, reflecting the interplay of light and structure.” “Working with Signify technology has enabled us to create a piece of art that is functional and helps to create a welcoming environment in which to work.” 1 Office compliant lighting meets specific standards and regulations (EN 12464-1) designed to ensure a safe, comfortable, and productive work environment. 2 The product complies with the Unified Glare Rating (UGR19). Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Signify, Pineapple Partnerships and Schneider Electric Launch Pineapple CoRE, a Collaboration to Accelerate Decarbonisation in Commercial Real Estate

Signify, Pineapple Partnerships and Schneider Electric Launch Pineapple CoRE, a Collaboration to Accelerate Decarbonisation in Commercial Real Estate

Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the world leader in lighting, Pineapple Partnerships, the systems change focused consultancy, and Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, today announced Pineapple CoRE, a strategic collaboration designed to accelerate decarbonization across the the commercial and industrial property sector. Initially focusing on the UK, the collaboration is scalable for global deployment.   The initiative unites market leading consultancy by Schneider Electric that helps organisations map their critical infrastructure and unlock the opportunities available to them around efficiency, sustainability and modernisation, Signify’s connected lighting solutions, and Pineapple Partnerships’ systems-change consultancy, offering a turnkey pathway for property owners and operators to overcome common barriers to decarbonisation—such as access to finance, fragmented supply chains and skills shortages. Edwards Vacuum, part of the Atlas Copco Group, is the first organisation to benefit from the CoRE model. At its Clevedon manufacturing site, a suite of energy interventions is being implemented, including: These measures target a 35% reduction in energy consumption and over 80% reduction in emissions at the site. The initiative supports Edwards’ Vacuum broader sustainability goals, including 46% cuts in Scope 1 and 2 emissions, and 28% in Scope 3 by 2030. The current site served as a successful pilot, with CoRE now rolling out to other locations in the UK and the rest of the world.  Commenting on the work to date collaboration, Chris Adams, Site Manager, Edwards, Clevedon said “Working with Pineapple Partnerships has been a game-changer in accelerating our factory’s carbon reduction efforts. Their expert assessment of our energy performance has enabled data-driven decisions, including the transition from gas heating to air source heat pumps and the installation of solar panels across our factory roof. The collaboration they’ve facilitated with experts such as Signify and Schneider Electric has significantly shortened our learning curve, allowing us to explore and implement best-in-class solutions with confidence. This integrated approach has increased the pace of implementation and reduced risk, helping us move towards a truly sustainable and future-ready energy system. The interventions currently being installed aim to reduce energy usage by up to 35% and emissions by over 80%.” Commenting on the collaboration, Nico van der Merwe, Cluster Leader, Europe West said “Signify thrives on partnerships, and CoRE is a powerful example of how collaborations can unlock decarbonisation at scale. As a global leader in lighting and sustainability, we know that upgrading to LED and connected lighting is one of the fastest, most cost-effective, and impactful actions building owners can take to reduce energy use and carbon emissions. Through occupancy-based controls and remote monitoring, connected lighting drives efficiency and enhances operational visibility. CoRE combines these proven technologies with financial and delivery innovation – enabling our clients to act now, at pace and scale. We’re proud to be working alongside Pineapple Partnerships and Schneider Electric to help organisations like Atlas Copco accelerate toward net-zero and build a more resilient, sustainable built environment in the UK and beyond.” Commenting on the collaboration, Rupert Snuggs, Managing Director, CoRE said “We are delighted to work with our world leading collaborators Signify, Schneider Electric and Atlas Copco as we take the first step on our journey to accelerating the decarbonisation of the built environment by rapidly decarbonising more than 1m buildings in the coming years.” Commenting on the collaboration, Andrew McKenzie, Commercial Leader – Consultancy UK&I, Schneider Electric said “This collaboration offers a valuable opportunity to support commercial and industrial clients in boosting operational resilience and achieving net zero goals. We will provide a clear roadmap for those facing aging infrastructure, rising energy costs, and the need to modernise, helping them build a more efficient, optimised and safer estate.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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UKTC ideal heating hull

Ideal Heating R&D Team Members Visit UK Technology Centre as Pioneering Facility Nears Completion

Senior team members have visited their new home-to-be as Ideal Heating fits out its industry-leading research and development centre. The £19.2m UK Technology Centre ( UKTC ), located at Ideal’s headquarters site in Hull, will enhance significantly the company’s R&D capabilities, providing a testbed for both current and future products. The UKTC is due to be operational from September and forms part of a wider £60m investment across the Hull site as the market leader pivots towards technologies which will decarbonise UK heating. The R&D workforce at the Hull site has more than doubled over recent years, reflecting Ideal’s significant investment in its product development capabilities. The new centre will bring together more than 100 R&D and product development specialists who are currently located in various facilities across the site. Stephen Patton, Ideal Heating’s R&D Director (Thermodynamics), toured the facilities as they take shape with colleagues, and said: “The UKTC represents a step change in our in-house R&D and testing capabilities. “Bringing world-class equipment and testing facilities to our site in Hull will accelerate and advance the development of our products. The UKTC brings with it significant benefits in time, cost and efficiency of R&D processes. “The UKTC will be, quite simply, the leading facility of its kind in the UK. Work on the centre is progressing well and we look forward to opening the building later this year.” The UKTC will feature six climatic chambers, with temperature and humidity controlled from -20°C to 50°C. It means Ideal can stress-test products in even the most dramatic and extreme of temperatures and environments. Alongside the climatic chambers are specialist test chambers including hemi-anechoic chambers, which test the noise emissions and sound levels from both boilers and heat pumps, and EMC chambers which test products for electromagnetic interference from other “smart” appliances found in the home. Ideal Heating’s R&D team will relocate from their existing facilities to the UKTC in phases. Product testing in the climatic chambers will begin in September, with anechoic and EMC testing due to commence in early 2026. Jason Speedy, Chief Operations Officer at Ideal Heating, said: “The UKTC is a major statement of intent. It reaffirms our commitment to the energy transition and investing in the technologies which will heat our homes for decades to come. “For more than century, the name Ideal has been synonymous with quality and innovation, as we continually work to meet the ever-changing needs of the heating sector. “The UKTC will enable us to continue to push boundaries, set new standards in heating technology and develop the next generation of products.”  Testing within the UKTC is split into two key areas – performance and reliability. The centre provides Ideal Heating’s R&D team with dedicated work and collaboration spaces directly next to where the testing is taking place. Also located within the UKTC is an in-house training room and a 3D printing facility, which will be used to produce prototype components and parts. The UKTC has been designed and built to BREEAM standard – a world-leading sustainability assessment for the built environment. Key sustainability features include LED lighting and controls, air source heat pumps, a mechanical heat recovery system, sub-metering of electrical distribution, and high-performance building fabric to reduce heat loss. Ideal Heating is also installing new solar panels at its Hull site, which will provide renewable electricity for the UKTC. The UKTC development has been principally delivered by Yorkshire-based contractor Henry Boot Construction.  The project is backed by more than £2m of seed capital funding from Humber Freeport, having been identified as a significant project which will help the Humber region decarbonise its industries and transition to a net zero economy. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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fire safety solutions siemens

Irish Prisons Benefit from Siemens Fire Safety Upgrade

A fire safety solution from Siemens for the Irish Prison Service (IPS) is providing protection for inmates and staff across eight prisons, significantly reducing the chances of false alarms while saving valuable resources. The IPS, operating under the Department of Justice, is a crucial part of the criminal justice system. It is responsible for the safe and secure custody of individuals who are sentenced to prison, held on remand, or detained for immigration-related matters.  As a trusted partner for more than three decades, Siemens has consistently delivered comprehensive fire safety solutions and lifecycle support to this valued customer. This included the recent completion of a significant upgrade of their life safety systems by implementing advanced detection systems and the deployment of Siemens innovative Building X Fire Manager platform with cloud-enabled capabilities.  New technologies and services have resulted in enhanced operational practices and increased protection for staff, inmates and the Siemens engineering team. In addition, the investment in digital services is improving system uptime and enabling data-driven decision making. Smart fire safety technologies The upgrade has been engineered to address the specific demands of the IPS.   Smart Disturbance Free Testing (DFT) Sinteso detectors are adept at differentiating between genuine fire sources and deceptive phenomena such as steam or dust, ensuring precise detection and significantly reducing the chances of false alarms.  These intelligent devices also perform regular self-diagnostics, verifying their functionality and maintaining peak performance, with automatic reporting of any issues and analysis of test results, either on-site or remotely. For the prison environment, this translates to significant practical benefits, as the need to access restricted, sensitive areas is substantially reduced through remote testing capabilities, while hard-to-reach locations such as high atriums can be managed more efficiently. Data-driven decisions To facilitate immediate investigation of any fire incident, authorised prison personnel can now monitor live the status of any fire event from any location via the new Sinteso Connect app. This enables rapid situation assessment and early decision-making, including determining whether evacuation is necessary and how to best manage a planned, phased evacuation, a particularly important factor given the significant disruption invloved in evacuating a prison. Further efficiencies are being achieved with the introduction of the new automated eLogbook system, which automatically records all fire-related events and interactions. This digital approach eliminates the need for manual logging, providing authorised officers with instant access to comprehensive system records from any device, while ensuring accurate, time-stamped documentation of all system activities. To enable comprehensive monitoring across multiple prison locations, Siemens has implemented Building X with Fire Manager. This solution provides full visibility of the status of all sites on a single dashboard, offering access to both real-time and historical data. Designed to support the IPS by delivering greater operational insights, it enhances maintenance planning, execution, and reporting. Customer gains The IPS is able to take advantage of new corrective and preventive service models, alongside continuous system performance monitoring and checks. Remote fault interrogation allows issues to be diagnosed, resolved, and restored without always requiring an on-site response. In cases where on-site intervention is necessary, engineers arrive fully equipped with detailed system diagnostics and historical data, significantly reducing problem resolution time and improving first-time fix rates. The integration of smart, self-testing detectors combined with remote servicing capabilities has produced significant operational efficiency gains for the IPS, automated diagnostics have reduced manual inspections, remote troubleshooting has eliminated unnecessary site visits and real-time performance monitoring is enabling predictive maintenance. A mandatory Health & Safety protocol means that officers must always escort contractors during service visits, involving considerable resource. A pilot test has revealed the extent of the efficiency gains: a total of 76 escort days have been saved, enabling valuable time to be redirected to core security duties. This new approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also maintains rigorous safety standards while significantly reducing resource demands on security personnel. Governor of Works for the Irish Prison Service, Rónán Dunning, commented, – “The integration of new digital systems and services represents not only our commitment to technological excellence but also our dedication to deliver a sustainable, future-proof safety infrastructure across our organisation.” Joe Walsh, Head of Siemens Smart Infrastructure summarised the project – “Through our strategic partnership with the Irish Prison Service, we have engineered a holistic fire safety solution that not only addresses their multifaceted requirements and supports the complexities of their operational environment, but one that is also delivering measurable outcomes.” For further information on Siemens Smart Infrastructure – Buildings www.siemens.co.uk/cerberusFor further information on Siemens Smart Infrastructure, please seewww.siemens.com/smart-infrastructure Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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