Products & Materials : Building Systems & Appliances News
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Air conditioners provide great comfort at home. However, like any other machine, it’s susceptible to damage. Although some issues can still be fixed, there may come a time when replacing the air conditioner is a better option. The question is how to determine if it’s time to replace the AC

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Delta Electronics Recognized as Top 100 Global Innovator 2023 by Clarivate

Delta Electronics Recognized as Top 100 Global Innovator 2023 by Clarivate

The accolade underscores Delta’s world-class innovation capabilities Delta, a global leading provider of power and thermal management solutions, today announced its has been honored for the second consecutive year as one of the Top 100 Global Innovators™ (2023) by Clarivate for its superior innovation and patent intellectual property portfolio. As

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Replacing inefficient circulator pumps provide 200 million opportunities to improve energy efficiency globally

Replacing inefficient circulator pumps provide 200 million opportunities to improve energy efficiency globally

This energy efficiency measure could save equivalent of Portugal’s annual energy consumption Circulator pumps in central heating systems provide 200 million opportunities globally to improve energy efficiency[1]. Replacing old pumps with newer, more efficient models could save the world around 53.5TWh of energy each year – the equivalent of the

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Johnson Controls and Willow to collaborate on digital solutions that create smarter, healthier, more sustainable buildings

Johnson Controls and Willow to collaborate on digital solutions that create smarter, healthier, more sustainable buildings

Johnson Controls, the global leader for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, and Willow, a leading provider of digital twin solutions for critical infrastructure and real estate today announced a global collaboration to digitally transform buildings and facilities into healthier, safer and more sustainable environments for their customers and occupants. Johnson Controls and

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Wolseley announces boiler parts reconditioning scheme

Wolseley announces boiler parts reconditioning scheme

Wolseley, the leading trade specialist, today launched an innovative component recycling/reconditioning scheme aimed at reducing the environmental impact of maintaining gas boilers by driving a more circular economy in the domestic heating sector. The scheme will allow heating engineers to return faulty Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs), diverter valves and fans

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Latest Issue
Issue 325 : Feb 2025

Products & Materials : Building Systems & Appliances News

Expert-led guide to sustainable and cost-effective heating solution - Air Source Heat Pumps

Expert-led guide to sustainable and cost-effective heating solution – Air Source Heat Pumps

Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) are becoming an increasingly popular option for homeowners in the UK who are looking for a sustainable and cost-effective way to heat their homes.  Unlike traditional fossil fuel-based heating systems, ASHPs use heat from the air outside to heat the home or building, making them a great investment as a renewable energy source.  Another benefit of ASHPs is their high efficiency, measured by the Coefficient of Performance (COP), which is the ratio of heat output to energy input.  Modern ASHPs have a COP of 4, meaning that for every unit of electricity used, the system produces 4 units of heat, making them significantly more efficient than traditional heating systems which can have a COP as low as 0.8.  In addition to the environmental and efficiency benefits, ASHPs can also save homeowners money on their energy bills in the long run. While the initial installation costs can be high, the long-term savings on energy costs and less frequent maintenance make this more cost efficient than traditional heating systems. When considering investing in an Air Source Heat Pump, it is important to consult a professional to determine if the system is a good fit for your home or building. Factors to consider include:  Make sure that the installer is also properly qualified and that the system is installed to the highest standards.  There are three main types of Air Source Heat Pumps:  The monobloc system has all the components housed in one unit, usually installed outside of the home. Its benefits include: The split system has an outdoor unit that houses the compressor and heat exchanger, and an indoor unit that circulates the heat around the home. The outdoor unit is connected to the indoor unit through pipes and electrical cables.  Benefits of this system include:  Finally, the hybrid system combines a conventional boiler system with an air source heat pump. The benefits of this system include: by David Johnson, Technical and Category Manager at The Underfloor Heating Store Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Where did Halogen free flame retardant cables come from and why is it important?

Where did Halogen free flame retardant cables come from and why is it important?

Often overlooked, the electric cable is a fundamental ingredient in any Infrastructure project globally. The greater need for more power, more data transmission and more of everything, in general, has driven significant development of cable technology over the years, as illustrated here: Material developmentsIn the 1880s, the first cables were insulated with gutta percha, a natural latex material produced from the sap of trees of the same name. In the late 19th century, paper cables were becoming more popular and could operate at Voltages up to 10KV. However, in the 1930s in Germany, the evolution of the numerous polymeric insulation materials in use today started to gather pace, and by the 1950s, PVC cables were more commonplace. Other materials, such as chlorosulphonated polyethylene (CSP), were developed. From this time onwards, the development and progression of cable technology to fulfil the ever-growing requirements of power and a data-hungry world have continued. In the 1970s, using XLPE as an insulating material significantly developed in the power transmission and distribution sector, replacing paper-insulated cables with a much-improved dielectric property. At this time, the use of PVC and XLPE was widespread; though, in the growing uses of cables in a wide range of applications with high power requirements, the suitability of some of these materials was brought under scrutiny. Tragedy driving changeFollowing several high-profile tragedies, such as HMS Sheffield going down in flames during the Falkland war (1982), the Kings Cross station disaster in 1987 resulted in the loss of 31 lives, along with the Dusseldorf airport fire in 1996. In all these instances, the presence of choking black smoke and acidic gases were deemed to be a significant contributor to the loss of life due to the inability to evacuate and respiratory issues caused by the smoke and fumes, with burning PVC cabling cited as one of the contributory factors in the smoke and fume production.    The Evolution of Halogen Free, Flame RetardantThe detrimental effects of PVC and other halogenated materials in the form of the evolution of acidic, choking, dense smoke-producing fumes and gas in the event of fire have led to the development of materials which offer a much cleaner burn. This is particularly important in areas where public evacuation in the event of a fire is of the utmost importance, and hence there has become greater regulation and de-facto regulation in airports, high-rise buildings, and hospitals, to name a few. This material evolution has been a journey, though, with several advances. The primary reason for this is that halogenated flame retardant materials chemically disrupt the production of free radicals and effectively shut down the combustion process. Halogen free materials rely on inorganic materials (such as aluminium trihydrate ATH or magnesium dihydrate MDH) which works by withdrawing heat from the plastic during its decomposition into metal oxide and water. The Water vapour propagates and reduces the fuel supply to the flame.  This creates formulation problems in that the polymer is required to accept a large amount of mineral filler and maintain some mechanical and electrical properties – mutually exclusive, as adding the filler inherently reduces both. In particular, with the maintenance of electrical properties, the inorganic materials significantly reduce the dielectric properties of materials such as polyethylene, considered the best polymeric insulator available. This makes using halogen free low smoke compounds as insulators more difficult, as the primary function of the insulator is compromised. The current state of playOver the years, there have been many advances in the properties of halogen free materials in cables. The dichotomy between electrical/mechanical performance and flame retardancy has been addressed in a number of ways, with chemical additives allowing increased use of mineral fillers, polymer composition and the development of “thermoplastic elastomers” such as Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Copolymer (EVA) – these materials allow significantly higher amounts of mineral filler to be incorporated into the compound to give a higher flame retardant performance. This does, however, reduce the dielectric properties. Due to this, the usual mechanism for reduced flammability in halogen free cables adopts the approach that the cable is protected from fire from the outside. High-performance,  low-flammability cable sheaths are employed to prevent the interior of the cable from becoming compromised by the fire. In this way, better dielectric materials such as polyethylene and cross-linked polyethylene can be used as insulation – allowing for better data transmission in data cables (where data speed and integrity are becoming more and more prominent in a data-driven world). Likewise, smaller wall cables for medium voltage cables are used in buildings – which is becoming increasingly popular. So why BASECHigh-performance flame-retardant materials allow an improved reaction to fire performance, although it is critical to the cable performance that these are used in suitable applications. The fact that the technology employed in these materials comes at a higher cost means that the manufacturer must use more expensive materials in their cable designs. In today’s ultra-competitive world, this leads to the typical discussion around “golden samples,” where high-end materials are used for type approval tests, and a cheaper, less effective material is used for ongoing production. This potential risk can be mitigated with a BASEC product approval, where all cable designs are tested annually and materials are fingerprinted to ensure that the approved materials are used on an ongoing basis. This type of product approval, along with the CPR/UKCA approach to product selection, means that building designers and specifiers can have peace of mind when it comes to cable selection of BASEC approved products. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Air conditioners provide great comfort at home. However, like any other machine, it’s susceptible to damage. Although some issues can still be fixed, there may come a time when replacing the air conditioner is a better option. The question is how to determine if it’s time to replace the AC unit. We listed some signs that you need an air conditioner replacement. Your unit is too old According to experts from air conditioning Brighton companies, most air conditioners can last anywhere from 15 to 20 years. If your unit is this old, it may be time to replace it. Appliances are prone to wear and tear, and due to this, they get less efficient in the long run. However, various factors could also affect its longevity. So, depending on these things, there’s a chance that your air conditioner could break down beyond repair. One of these factors is the AC installation. If it’s not properly installed, it could damage its parts and result in an early replacement. How extensively you use it also affects its lifespan. If you live in an area with a higher temperature, your AC needs to work harder to cool the air inside the house. The harder it works, the more susceptible it is to breaking. Maintenance is another factor. Without proper maintenance, your AC may not last that long. Get professional service at least yearly to ensure it is in top condition. Also, get it checked immediately on the first sign of a problem to prevent it from worsening. Proper care and maintenance will help your unit achieve its maximum lifespan. It’s not energy-efficient New air conditioner models are designed to be energy-efficient. It is one of the things that homeowners look for nowadays as it saves money from electric bills and benefits the environment. So, if your AC unit does not have this feature yet, and you experience a significant increase in your power bill, it may be time to replace it. It is also essential to get an AC that’s the right size for your home, so it won’t have trouble cooling your space. It requires frequent repairs You may encounter various concerns with your air conditioner throughout its use. The most common issues are loud noises and the unit blowing warm instead of cold air. You can have them fixed by getting a professional repair service. However, if your unit requires more frequent repairs, consider a replacement. Besides the inconvenience it brings, the amount you spend on the repair could pile up. Buying one is a more practical approach. It uses R22 R22 is the Freon used in some air conditioners, especially older models. However, since 2004, this gas has been banned in the use of appliances in the UK. So, if your AC still uses this, it’s time to get a new one. Remember to get the right size of air conditioner and ensure proper installation for efficiency and longevity. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Delta Electronics Recognized as Top 100 Global Innovator 2023 by Clarivate

Delta Electronics Recognized as Top 100 Global Innovator 2023 by Clarivate

The accolade underscores Delta’s world-class innovation capabilities Delta, a global leading provider of power and thermal management solutions, today announced its has been honored for the second consecutive year as one of the Top 100 Global Innovators™ (2023) by Clarivate for its superior innovation and patent intellectual property portfolio. As of the end of 2022, the total number of patents approved for Delta exceeded 15,000 mainly in the United States, mainland China, Taiwan, Europe, of which 1,070 patents where approved in 2022 alone. Gordon Samson, Chief Product Officer, Clarivate, said, “We congratulate Delta Electronics for being named a Top 100 Global Innovators for two years in a row. Delta Electronics shows consistent, above-the-bar innovation performance, especially the success of its patent applications as intellectual assets in the market. Together with all Top 100 Global Innovators, Delta fully appreciates that innovative ideas and solutions to current challenges not only bring rewards to its business but foster genuine improvements in society.” Ping Cheng, Delta’s Chief Executive Officer, said, “We are quite pleased to receive such a prominent recognition for Delta’s R&D endeavors for two years in a row. As a word-class corporate citizen committed to energy conservation and sustainable development, Delta leverages its focus on R&D-based innovation and its prowess in power electronics, infrastructure, and automation to provide innovative, clean and energy- efficient solutions. In regards to our patent portfolio, Delta has deeply cultivated patent assets in its worldwide R&D centers, manufacturing sites, and major markets to optimize its competitiveness. Looking at the growth trends in India and Southeast Asia, Delta will continue accelerating its related portfolio there going forward.” Delta’s innovative thinking has been deeply rooted in its corporate culture. The Delta Innovation Award has been established since 2008, and the awards for ” Intellectual Property” include the “Outstanding Contribution”, ” Elite Inventor” and ” Quality IP Portfolio” to commend individuals or teams for their innovation to construct a patent layout with commercial value. Delta commonly invests over 8% of its annual revenues into R&D and currently nurtures more than 10,000 R&D engineers and 73 R&D centers around the world to foster innovation. In addition, Delta established the Delta Research Center (DRC) in 2013 to respond to groundbreaking technological trends and to enhance its research and development capacity, which focus on smart manufacturing, artificial intelligence, ICT, and life sciences. DRC takes an open collaboration approach to actively collaborate with ecosystem partners from various industrial sectors, government agencies, academia, and research institutions for mutual success. The Top 100 Global Innovators uses a complete comparative analysis of global invention data to assess the strength of every patented idea, using measures tied directly to their innovative power. For full information on the methodology used to identify the 2023 list, see here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Replacing inefficient circulator pumps provide 200 million opportunities to improve energy efficiency globally

Replacing inefficient circulator pumps provide 200 million opportunities to improve energy efficiency globally

This energy efficiency measure could save equivalent of Portugal’s annual energy consumption Circulator pumps in central heating systems provide 200 million opportunities globally to improve energy efficiency[1]. Replacing old pumps with newer, more efficient models could save the world around 53.5TWh of energy each year – the equivalent of the annual energy consumption of Portugal. In the average EU home, heating systems account for 60% of energy consumption. Circulator pumps alone are the third most electricity-consumptive device (behind only freezers and tumble dryers). Increasing efficiency in 200 million homes would therefore deliver vast improvements both economically and environmentally. These savings will be welcomed by people who cannot afford their energy bills. Last year, more than 34 million people were energy poor in Europe alone. Another recent Grundfos-sponsored report from the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr) found that as many as 60% of people in the UK and Germany were worried about rising energy bills, while 25% were concerned about blackouts. In the context of energy poverty, many people cannot afford to transition to electric vehicles, electric heat pumps, and other appliances on which countries have pinned their hopes of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. People need the ability to enact immediate, lasting improvements without breaking the bank. Replacing a circulator pump is a simple process for any installer and one that pays for itself within a year by reducing energy consumption. Morten Bach Jensen, CEO of Domestic Building Services at Grundfos, comments: “We must urgently address energy issues at the source, improving efficiency so we can manage demand and mitigate disruptions to supply. There are several opportunities to drive energy efficiency within homes, and thereby reduce the pressure on both energy supply and homeowners’ wallets. But we must draw awareness of these possibilities that are available. “Replacing an old circulator pump with a newer, more efficient model is the number-one way that households can improve their energy efficiency in a cost-effective way. It delivers both the immediate and long-term impact that many people, and the planet as a whole, sorely need.” [1] The proprietary research supporting the estimated 200 million circulator pump claim was conducted in-house by Grundfos. The research applies the use of an internal model and is complimented by the company’s sales and market data. You can find more information on this research here: 200millionpossibilities.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals  [1] The proprietary research supporting the estimated 200 million circulator pump claim was conducted in-house by Grundfos. The research applies the use of an internal model and is complimented by the company’s sales and market data. You can find more information on this research here: 200millionpossibilities.com

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Energy Efficiency at City Plumbing and GTEC join forces to offer heat pump training for installers at new centre

Energy Efficiency at City Plumbing and GTEC join forces to offer heat pump training for installers at new centre

Energy Efficiency at City Plumbing is set to unveil its new Energy Efficiency Centre after agreeing a partnership with GTEC Training to provide accredited training courses for installers. The Centre, based in Farnborough, Hampshire is now open with an official launch planned to mark Earth Day in April. It will focus on showcasing renewable energy home heating technologies such as heat pumps, underfloor heating and solar panels – and training engineers to install them., The Centre will be open to the public and include a range of fully kitted-out zones, highlighting how alternative home heating solutions work in real life, as well as an accredited training room. Adam Foy, Managing Director, Energy Efficiency at City Plumbing, said “We are very excited to announce that Energy Efficiency at City Plumbing has partnered with GTEC Training to deliver accredited training courses to our installer base in England and Wales – and help our customers make the transition to low carbon technologies. “Our industry-leading Energy Efficiency Team has been in place for over a decade, offering an indemnified design service along with impartial advice on technologies and manufacturers.  “As the market evolves, we are looking to support our installers through their journey and this partnership, and the Energy Efficiency Centre are crucial steps in this process.” The partnership has been boosted by news that it has secured government funding through the BEIS Home Decarbonisation Skills Training Competition to reduce the cost of courses to installers until the end of March 2023. Adam added: “This funding allows us to offer installers based in England subsidised heat pump training and qualifications through a range of locations, with funding available to SMEs.” Griff Thomas, Managing Director of GTEC Training, added: “GTEC is delighted to be playing a part in Energy Efficiency at City Plumbing, with our first in-merchant training facility at the Energy Efficiency Centre in Farnborough. “Heat pumps are playing a key role in the UK’s drive to reduce the carbon footprint of our buildings – the ideal solution for energy efficient properties. “Thanks to the partnership between GTEC and City Plumbing, installers will be able to access everything they need to enter this growing market; from purchasing the latest heat pumps and associated equipment, to undertaking our industry-leading training. “All heating and plumbing installers should consider upskilling into heat pumps. Demand is growing steadily and will outstrip gas boilers over the next 10 years. Training is designed for tradespeople, providing an exciting opportunity for the existing installer-base. The Energy Efficiency Centre is the first step in an ongoing, industry-wide campaign to raise the number of heat pump installers in the country. For further details and to book a course, visit: https://eecityplumbing.co.uk/gtec-training/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Chubb celebrates industry-breaking contact centre response rates with launch of new video

Chubb celebrates industry-breaking contact centre response rates with launch of new video

Chubb, the UK’s leading fire safety and security solutions provider, has launched a new video showcasing the exceptional service customers can expect to receive from its Blackburn Customer Experience Centre. The video marks a momentous occasion as Chubb has just recorded industry-breaking contact centre response rates. Last year, Chubb’s Customer Experience Centre answered 335,221 calls, an average of 94% of calls in 20 seconds. This smashes the call centre industry standard, typically set at 80% of calls answered in 20 seconds. This achievement echoes the findings of the recent Call Centre Helper survey1, which found that the importance of response time has more than doubled from 11.3% in 2021 to 22% in 2022, suggesting that customers are now looking for even greater speed when dealing with contact centres. In Chubb’s new video, Director of Business Support, Sue Dean takes us on a journey through its Customer Experience Centre, introducing the teams supporting customers and the company’s branch network.  Chubb’s contact centre operates 24/7, 365 days a year, taking emergency calls, booking routine service visits and scheduling and dispatching work to its field-based engineers. Within Chubb’s business support teams, the company onboards all new customers and processes orders, which are then passed onto the branch network to deliver locally. Depending on the size and complexity of the customer requirements, Chubb has dedicated account management teams that tailor services and solutions to meet their specific needs.  Sue said: “I’ve been with Chubb for 25 years, and I’m proud to lead an amazing team passionate about delivering great customer service. Our commitment to our customers is to offer a fast and effective resolution to every call that comes into our contact centre. We are proud that over 90% of our customer calls are answered within 20 seconds, which is a true testament to our dedicated teams and customer-centric ethos.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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HYDROGEN WEEK 2023: Baxi calls for Consultation Response from Heating Professionals

HYDROGEN WEEK 2023: Baxi calls for Consultation Response from Heating Professionals

At the beginning of the first UK Hydrogen Week, a leading heating and hot water solutions provider has called for the industry to respond to the Government’s pivotal Improving boiler standards and efficiency consultation. Setting out the next steps for home heating decarbonisation, the consultation covers a range of topics around natural gas boiler installations, heating controls, the potential role for hybrid heat pumps in the future, and a proposal for mandating ‘hydrogen-ready’ boilers from 2026. With the potential to change heating professionals’ working lives significantly, Baxi wants to highlight the importance of responding to the consultation to ensure the heating industry has an active role in shaping the policy decisions set to determine the long-term future of the sector. Baxi has been at the forefront of renewable heating development, including hydrogen demonstration projects and research across the country. For residential applications, Baxi has supplied it’s hydrogen boilers and 20% blend compatible to projects such as HyDeploy, Hy4Heat, HyStreet, Northern Gas Network’s 100% Hydrogen Home near Gateshead and the H100 Fife project of 300 homes in Scotland. Most recently, Baxi has partnered with H2Go Power to deliver the world-first commercial hydrogen boiler and demonstrate the technology’s potential to decarbonise multiple industries. Furthering expertise in hydrogen being made available to Baxi is from its parent company, BDR Thermea, who have recently launched a world first hydrogen pilot in the Dutch town of Lochem. The company is using its 100% hydrogen boilers in 12 inhabited homes – which closely resemble the UK’s existing housing stock in age and energy efficiency – with hydrogen supplied via an existing natural gas grid. Jeff House, External Affairs and Policy Director at Baxi UK and Ireland, said: “We are thrilled to see the UK’s first UK Hydrogen Week take place, highlighting the sheer scale of research and development taking place to explore the viability of the fuel as part of a practical route to net zero for our industry. Baxi’s commitment to developing hydrogen appliances as low carbon alternatives to natural gas is a key part of our wider strategy of lowering emissions from heating and hot water provision. “We hope initiatives like Hydrogen Week will increase the support and urgency at which we push hydrogen as one of the key pillars of decarbonisation, in addition to guiding policy in the area.” With hydrogen-ready technology for heating applications mentioned by the Government in its latest consultation, policy direction could be pointing towards the technology as one of the solutions for the future. Jeff adds: “Whatever the rules and regulations put in place by the Government, the industry is moving towards a low carbon future, with heat pumps, hybrid systems, heat networks and hydrogen all set to play their part in this effort. To ensure we achieve this goal, it is vital that we take a pragmatic approach informed by the perspectives of that heating professionals who live and breathe our industry. We’d urge everyone involved in the heating industry to provide feedback on the consultation to ensure the policies it will ultimately result in are suitable and achievable.” For more information about Baxi’s work in the hydrogen space, visit: www.baxi.co.uk/about-us/the-future-of-heat Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Johnson Controls and Willow to collaborate on digital solutions that create smarter, healthier, more sustainable buildings

Johnson Controls and Willow to collaborate on digital solutions that create smarter, healthier, more sustainable buildings

Johnson Controls, the global leader for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, and Willow, a leading provider of digital twin solutions for critical infrastructure and real estate today announced a global collaboration to digitally transform buildings and facilities into healthier, safer and more sustainable environments for their customers and occupants. Johnson Controls and Willow have committed to jointly bring next-generation solutions to their customers. Digital twins are playing an increasingly important role in the design, construction, and ongoing operation of healthy buildings and facilities and can be particularly valuable when analysing large datasets and predicting patterns and trends. “When it comes to our OpenBlue suite of connected solutions, our customers see the return on their investment for creating smarter, healthier and more sustainable buildings – it’s a win for them and the environment,” said Rodney Clark, vice president and chief commercial officer, Johnson Controls. “We look forward to working with Willow to provide increasingly robust digital twin solutions to our mutual customers.” “Through this partnership we have an incredible opportunity to help customers reimagine what is possible when they digitise their buildings and facilities at scale,” said Joshua Ridley, chief executive officer, and co-founder of Willow. “By integrating the power of WillowTwin™ with Johnson Controls OpenBlue Digital Twin platform, customers can obtain operational efficiency and cost reductions, improve their sustainability management and improve IoT/Operational Technology security across their buildings and facilities portfolios globally.” In connection with this collaboration, Johnson Controls and Willow have entered into a go-to-market agreement and license agreement for the use of digital twin technology patents held by Johnson Controls. The companies also agreed to strengthen their technology and business collaboration in marketing, implementation and interoperability. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Wolseley announces boiler parts reconditioning scheme

Wolseley announces boiler parts reconditioning scheme

Wolseley, the leading trade specialist, today launched an innovative component recycling/reconditioning scheme aimed at reducing the environmental impact of maintaining gas boilers by driving a more circular economy in the domestic heating sector. The scheme will allow heating engineers to return faulty Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs), diverter valves and fans from some of the most popular domestic boiler manufacturers and receive a small payment per component. The faulty components will then be returned to a specialist refurbishment company, where they will either be refurbished and offered back into the market or recycled where the product is beyond economic repair. Wolseley customers will be able to purchase a selection of kitemarked refurbished products with a two-year warranty and at a much-reduced price than buying the part new.  More than 1.5 million boilers are changed every year and some estimates put the number of those repaired as high as 3 million, but most faulty parts are currently recycled as other materials or go to landfill sites, rather than being reused to extend their working life. Wolseley is introducing the new service on a test basis to understand the attractiveness to the customer base of returning parts for refurbishment as well as their willingness to purchase parts that have been reconditioned using a BSI Kitemark certified process. The test comes at an apt point in time given the cost-of-living crisis and the requirement to mitigate outgoings, as well as providing customers with a financial incentive to participate in a positive environmental trial. Emma Conroy, Proposition Development Director, Wolseley Plumb & Parts, said: “We want to help drive a more circular economy in the domestic heating sector and believe there is customer appetite for reconditioned parts as an alternative to new ones. This new service amounts to testing the water at scale, at a time when many UK households need help with reducing costs. “Evaluating this scheme with our installer customer base, with benefits for householders, the trade and the environment, will allow us to understand the potential for developing it further and extending it to other product categories,” she said. Wolseley is partnering with Heating Trade Supplies Group (HTS) to deliver the service. HTS is the UK’s only boiler parts specialist to have attained a BSI Kitemark for remanufacturing of components. Wolseley will take in faulty parts at its branches before sending them for repair by HTS engineers. The circular scheme also enables heating installers to offer a new kind of service to domestic customers, and provide advice around how to get best value when a boiler fails. Wolseley will give customers up to £4 per part when bringing in faulty parts to a small number of selected branches. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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