Building solutions provider wienerberger UK & Ireland has this week announced a new partnership with world renowned conservation charity Chester Zoo. wienerberger has pledged to provide product donations for construction projects at the zoo, and funding for a multi-year conservation programme supporting UK native species, particularly terrestrial invertebrates. This partnership formalises the relationship between wienerberger and Chester Zoo, which began in 2024 when wienerberger donated more than 600 tonnes of blue sandstone to help construct a Himalayan-inspired habitat for two rare snow leopards. Big cats Nubra and Yashin, whose species is recognised as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, have since bred and are now raising leopard cub Bheri. In 2025, wienerberger contributed 15 tonnes of yellow sandstone to shape the visitor areas within the zoo’s new Heart of Africa zone – the biggest ever zoo development in the UK. They also supplied a range of bird and bat nesting and roosting boxes from their eco-habitat collection, providing shelter for native bird and bat species throughout the zoo’s grounds. Now, as part of a formal partnership, wienerberger has pledged £50,000 over the next five years to fund Chester Zoo’s programme dedicated to conserving native invertebrate species. Invertebrates are vital for pollination, nutrient cycling, and upholding the resilience of ecosystems that support both our built and natural landscapes. Despite their indispensable role, these often-underappreciated species are increasingly threatened by the impacts of climate change and the ongoing loss of habitats. This partnership strengthens wienerberger’s ongoing commitment to promoting biodiversity, and conserving habitats for both people and wildlife. Maisie McKenzie, Biodiversity Manager at wienerberger[KS1]  UK & Ireland, said: “We are delighted to continue our collaboration with Chester Zoo, whose pioneering work inspires millions of visitors annually to make positive contributions to wildlife conservation, both in the UK and around the world. “Our ‘Let’s Build Beyond’ sustainability strategy underscores the vital importance of forging robust partnerships as we pursue our ambition to become a net-zero emission, nature-positive company. We are committed to promoting biodiversity, not only across our own operational sites but also by empowering others to act for nature. We are hopeful that some of the invertebrate species supported by this programme could one day thrive on wienerberger sites, provided the conditions are right” Iri Gill, Ectotherms General Manager at Chester Zoo, said: “Invertebrates, which include insects, gastropods, worms and spiders are vital to healthy ecosystems. They make up roughly 75% of described species, are incredibly diverse, and they support and shape equally diverse landscapes and ecologies. Unfortunately, they are in sharp decline around the world, and the UK is no exception. “Chester Zoo projects have helped bring species like fen raft spiders and scarce yellow Sally stoneflies back from the brink, and we have released large heath butterflies into areas where they were regionally extinct. With the support of organisations like wienerberger, we can continue this work to support British biodiversity.” To find out more about wienerberger’s action plan to promote biodiversity and improve people’s quality of life within the built environment, visit www.wienerberger.co.uk/sustainability. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Passiv UK and Worcester Bosch have joined forces to offer advanced smart controls for heat pumps. The Passiv Smart Thermostat now works seamlessly with the Worcester Bosch Compress 2000 Air Source Heat Pump range, making intelligent, energy-efficient heating controls more accessible to UK homeowners.  Thanks to its out-of-the-box compatibility, no additional hardware is required. Installers can fit the Passiv Smart Thermostat with both new and existing Worcester Bosch Compress 2000 heat pumps, making smart heating simple. The Passiv Smart Thermostat then removes the need for an installer to set a weather compensation curve, dynamically optimising the heat pump’s flow temperature to improve its performance.   For homeowners, the Passiv Smart Thermostat makes keeping comfortable effortless. It cuts heating bills and improves heat pump efficiency. Its intelligent controls can optimise energy use according to time-of-use tariffs and rooftop solar generation, supporting decarbonisation efforts while future-proofing homes against rising energy demands.  Ian Rose, Sales and Strategy Director at Passiv UK, said: “This collaboration is a major step in giving both installers and homeowners a simple way to control and optimise heat pumps. Whether a customer is installing a new system or upgrading an existing one, the Passiv Smart Thermostat helps enhance comfort, save on bills and reduce carbon emissions.”  Andrew Keyworth, Head of Business Development at Worcester Bosch, said: “Partnering with Passiv UK allows us to offer our customers a smarter, more efficient heating experience. It gives homeowners greater control, comfort, and energy savings, supporting the move towards low-carbon homes across the UK.”  The Passiv Smart Thermostat is available nationwide through local plumbing merchants and select online retailers.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Heidelberg Materials UK’s plans to build the UK’s first carbon capture facility at a cement works have taken another major step forward with the signing of an engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) contract. The agreement with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and Worley continues the company’s working relationship with the partners, who successfully completed the front-end engineering design (FEED) for the project at Padeswood in north Wales. Heidelberg Materials and the UK Government reached a final investment decision (FID) for the carbon capture and storage (CCS) project in September. The company has since been carrying out initial enabling works and the construction schedule is now set to move to the next phase. The facility is set to be operational in 2029, enabling the production of evoZero carbon captured near-zero cement. “This is the next major milestone in our plans to decarbonise cement production at our Padeswood cement works,” said Simon Willis, CEO at Heidelberg Materials UK. “The new facility will capture around 800,000 tonnes of CO₂ a year from our existing works and enable the production of evoZero, the world’s first carbon captured near-zero cement, on an industrial scale to help decarbonise the construction industry.” MHI is providing the carbon capture technology for the project while Worley will lead the EPCM delivery and provide support to infrastructure development, technology integration and commissioning. “We’re proud to be working alongside Heidelberg Materials and MHI to deliver a facility that will help transform cement production and support the UK’s net zero ambitions,” said Chris Ashton, Chief Executive Officer of Worley. “Our role in this project reflects our ability to enable sustainable industrial solutions and leverage our global expertise in delivery for complex energy and infrastructure projects.” Tatsuto Nagayasu, Senior Vice President (CCUS) of GX (Green Transformation) Solutions of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, said: “We are proud to support Heidelberg Materials in realizing the UK’s first full-scale carbon capture facility in the cement sector. Using our Advanced KM CDR Process™, this project will play a leading role in decarbonising one of the most challenging industrial sectors. Together with Worley, we look forward to delivering this landmark CCS facility that will contribute to the long-term resilience of UK industry and help fulfil the country’s net zero ambitions.” Heidelberg Materials’ plans at Padeswood are part of the HyNet North West decarbonisation cluster, which aims to create the world’s first low carbon industrial cluster through its development of a hydrogen and carbon capture and storage project. The carbon captured at Padeswood will be compressed and transported via an underground pipeline for secure storage under the seabed in Liverpool Bay. For more information about the project visit: Padeswood CCS Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

ROCKWOOL UK has joined forces with FSEW freight specialists to significantly reduce the carbon emissions from its UK delivery operations. The use of electric and biomethane-powered HGVs on selected routes from ROCKWOOL’s insulation factory in Bridgend, Wales, has resulted in a 630-tonne reduction in CO2 emissions in just 15 months. This is equivalent to the levels that can be removed from the atmosphere by 13,500 mature trees each year. The partnership between the non-combustible insulation manufacturer and freight decarbonisation specialist means 22% of ROCKWOOL UK’s deliveries are now made using low carbon vehicles. These savings support the ROCKWOOL Group’s ambitious global goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions across the business, aiming for net zero by 2050 with an interim target of cutting emissions by one third by 2034. The move from a diesel-heavy transport model to a fleet partially powered by electric and 100% biomethane vehicles has helped the ROCKWOOL Group to tackle its challenging Scope 3 target, relating to transport and distribution emissions. ROCKWOOL UK began working with Cardiff-based FSEW at the end of 2023 to trial the initiative using greener transport methods. In its first full year in 2024, the partnership reduced ROCKWOOL UK’s logistics footprint by over 433 tonnes of CO2.  By the end of the first quarter in 2025, a further 200 tonnes had been saved, and additional routes have now been transitioned, including those in the Midlands, the North of England and Scotland. Digital twin route mapping has also been utilised to ensure the electric and biomethane vehicles are able to comfortably refuel on their delivery journeys without any disruption or delay for customers. Tim Eaton, Supply Chain Director at ROCKWOOL UK, said the partnership had already reaped measurable results and the organisation was now looking to extend the initiative further. “Tackling freight emissions is one of the toughest challenges in construction, but our partnership with FSEW shows it can be done and done without compromise on speed, reliability or service to customers. We’re really happy with the results so far and look forward to building on them in the future.” said Tim. ROCKWOOL, which has operated from South Wales since 1979, has built on its strong foundations in the UK with the recent launch of its fire-stopping Centre of Excellence at Hams Halls, Birmingham and has also announced proposals to open a second stone wool manufacturing plant in the West Midlands. ROCKWOOL’s Managing Director for the UK and Ireland, Nick Wilson, added: “With transport and distribution emissions rising on customer agendas, this partnership not only reduces the carbon footprint of our own deliveries, but also paves the way for scalable, additional low-carbon freight solutions that support the UK’s net-zero agenda.” “Through collaborations like this as well as deploying in-house technological solutions, we will continue working hard to reduce our carbon footprint in line with ROCKWOOL Group’s global targets.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Leading manufacturer of roofing accessories, Klober, is celebrating 25 years of its Permo Forte 145 underlay, one of the first vapour permeable membranes to transform the UK roofing market. When launched back in the late 1990s, this type of vapour permeable membrane represented a turning point in roofing design. Permo Forte offered a breathable alternative to traditional bitumen felts, helping contractors tackle widespread condensation issues that had long affected roof performance and building longevity. Permo Forte 145 was BBA certified as a vapour permeable (Low Resistance) membrane as early as 2000. At a time when the market for this new technology was still in its infancy, this was a huge milestone, offering a certified solution designed to help let harmful water vapour escape from the roof. The pioneering technology includes a grid-reinforced, four-layer vapour permeable membrane, which gives it increased tensile strength to reduce the risk of accidental damage and nail tears. The membrane’s Low Resistance (LR) design also aids the ventilation process by allowing moisture to escape from roofspaces while preventing external water ingress. Its technical strength has underpinned its long-standing success, especially trusted for high-stakes restorations. The Church of All Saints in Winterton was a project of significant importance, with the Grade-1 listed building undergoing extensive, lottery-funded repairs. With a strong industry reputation, Permo Forte was specified for the project to provide a reliable and durable solution. Nick King, Portfolio Manager at Klober, said: “A heritage of invention, quality, and reliability has been the foundation of Permo Forte 145’s reputation and longevity. Originally designed to help tackle condensation, its strength and breathability also provide increased energy efficiency and strong wind protection, making it an ideal choice for roofing in the UK.” Suitable for cold and warm roofs, the Permo Forte 145 underlay is BBA approved. Additionally, all products supplied by Klober are covered by a 10-year guarantee against manufacturing defects. To find out more about Permo Forte 145 and its 25-year legacy, visit https://klober.co.uk/membranes/roof-membranes/p/forte-145 Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Polypipe Building Services has completed a £3m upgrade of its manufacturing capabilities with the installation of twelve new Engel injection moulding machines at its Aylesford facility. The investment has delivered a 10% improvement in overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) and a 26% increase in energy efficiency. The investment, spread across the last twelve months, has delivered a significant step change in production efficiency in what is a sector that typically evolves at a steady pace. Polypipe Building Services now operates at 85% OEE, a level that strengthens its ability to meet tighter project schedules and ensure reliable product availability for contractors working on complex commercial developments. Of the twelve new machines, ten are dedicated PVC injection moulding machines, while two are versatile general-purpose models capable of manufacturing both PVC and HDPE components. With Engel’s tie-bar-less technology, the new machines offer a larger and more flexible moulding area, which allows smaller units to handle bigger tools with ease. This versatility means fewer tool changes, less wear on the moulds, and greater production efficiency that delivers energy savings in every production run. The investment has already translated into lower scrap rates and reduced downtime, helping customers benefit from shorter lead times, more consistent quality and a reduced carbon footprint on their projects. Steve Tulett, Operations Manager at Polypipe Building Services, said: “For an industry that has performed steadily for decades, achieving a 10% uplift in overall equipment effectiveness in just twelve months is a rare and significant milestone. These improvements directly support our customers by enabling faster delivery, improved consistency and lower embodied carbon in the systems we supply. “The new machines at our Aylesford site also strengthen our wider sustainability efforts. Improved energy efficiency and reduced material waste complement our existing initiatives such as prefabrication, our EPD programme, and our ongoing work to support customers in meeting their net zero goals.” This upgrade underlines Polypipe Building Services’ commitment to investing in advanced technologies that enhance efficiency, reliability and sustainability across its operations. By reducing both operational and embedded carbon, the business is supporting contractors and developers in delivering high-performance building projects with lower environmental impact. To learn more about Polypipe Building Services’ sustainability initiatives, visit: https://www.polypipe.com/sustain Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

AG, a third-generation, UK manufacturer of low-carbon paving and building products, has launched Diamond Pro® Air, a lightweight retaining wall solution engineered to streamline construction and maximise site efficiency. Designed with the practical pressures of housebuilders and contractors in mind, Diamond Pro® Air helps optimise labour, build schedules, and land use, while offering versatile solutions for plot divisions, split-level sites, landscaped areas, and boundary walls. Each block weighs just 24.5kg, making it AG’s lightest 200mm high segmental retaining wall block. Despite its reduced weight, it supports gravity walls up to 1 metre and engineered walls up to 3.6 metres. The range’s mortarless construction allows walls to be built in all weathers, avoiding delays common with traditional mortar-based systems. Diamond Pro® Air features a split-face design and natural texture in three warm earth-tone shades – Basalt, Cashel, and Canelletto, perfectly complementing AG’s wider walling portfolio for cohesive styling across sites. For walls over 3.6 metres or requiring BBA/HAPAS approval, AG’s Vertica range is available. The blocks feature a near-vertical batter of less than 4 degrees, enabling developers to make the most of every plot. Unlike steeper competitor products, this profile preserves garden and building space, maximising flexibility across even the tightest or most complex sites.  Installation is straightforward and efficient. Diamond Pro® Air’s built-in handholds and locator lugs enable precise positioning, while its lightweight design allows for one-person lifting. Delivered right side up on pallets, the blocks can be moved directly to the wall, reducing double handling and simplifying on-site assembly. Large internal voids in the blocks reduce material use, provide drainage, and align during construction to strengthen the wall. Lightweight design allows up to 20 bales per curtain-sided lorry, cutting transport needs and easing site congestion. From concept to completion, AG provides an end-to-end support system. Clients can use AG’s licensed software for self-service planning and estimation, or take advantage of the family-run company’s complimentary in-house Retaining Wall Design Service to produce preliminary layouts tailored to each development. Diamond Pro® Air is produced at AG’s Fivemiletown facility using 100% renewable energy and harvested rainwater. The product mix incorporates aggregates from AG’s own quarry and secondary sources and, combined with reduced material use, helps reduce embodied carbon while upholding the company’s rigorous sustainability benchmarks. Complementing AG’s wider walling, paving, and brick portfolio, Diamond Pro® Air allows multiple high-quality materials to be sourced from a single supplier. With AG’s ‘good, better, best’ range, consistent aesthetics and quality can be maintained across projects, while simplifying procurement and logistics. Commenting on the company’s latest innovation, Stephen Acheson, CEO of AG, said: “Diamond Pro® Air was developed to address the day-to-day pressures faced on construction sites, from limited land and tight schedules to labour constraints. Its near-vertical profile maximises usable space, while the lightweight, mortarless design makes walls quicker and easier to build, even on split-level sites. Large internal voids, pallet-ready right-side-up delivery, and low-carbon production save time, reduce handling, and support both our ambitious sustainability goals and those of the wider industry. Combined with our design service, distinctive finishes, and broader product portfolio, Diamond Pro® Air provides a complete, practical solution that keeps projects on track and maximises value per plot.” To learn more about Diamond Pro® Air and AG’s wider offering visit ag.uk.com.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Wetherby Wall Systems, part of the ROCKWOOL Group, is delighted to announce the launch of InteriA, a next-generation Internal Wall Insulation (IWI) system, launched earlier this week. Developed in direct response to increasing industry demand for enhanced fire safety and compliant retrofit solutions, InteriA sets a new standard for solid wall property upgrades in the UK. Internal Wall Insulation is a vital measure for improving the thermal performance of solid wall properties, particularly where external wall insulation is restricted by planning rules, heritage constraints, or site access. However, the market has lacked a fully developed system that combines strong fire resistance with the modern moisture management now identified as best practice by government guidance. InteriA is engineered to address both challenges. Built from A-rated, non-combustible stone wool components, the system is designed to meet today’s more stringent safety expectations. Crucially, its moisture-open construction reflects advice from the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS), which highlights that the lowest-risk IWI solutions are those that allow walls to dry to both sides, effectively reducing condensation risks and protecting long-term building health. The InteriA system will provide a range of benefits for specifiers, housing providers, and programme managers: The InteriA build-up has been engineered with retrofit practicality in mind. Its slim profiles maximise internal space, and installation is designed to be quick and minimally disruptive. This makes the system particularly suited to occupied dwellings, phased upgrade programmes, and large-scale retrofit schemes. Joe Ragdale, Technical Director at Wetherby Wall Systems, commented: “InteriA has been developed in direct response to what the industry has been calling for: an A-rated, moisture-open internal wall solution. It has been carefully designed to give specifiers, housing providers, and programme managers confidence that compliance, resident safety, and building durability are all addressed within one system. By combining safety, sustainability, and compliance, InteriA represents a significant step forward for IWI solutions and will play a valuable role in helping the UK meet its carbon reduction and energy efficiency targets.” To register your interest for training or to request further details ahead of the launch, contact Wetherby Wall Systems on 01942 717 100 or info@wall-systems.co.uk, or visit www.wall-systems.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals