This is a good time to be asking ourselves about fuel usage norms because we’re currently in the midst of a fuel-related transition period. As of April 2022, red diesel – the standard option for many organisations in the construction and demolition world – is going to cost substantially more,
Although carpets have a reputation of being a boring – and typically beige – necessity, 2021 has seen some bolder and brighter carpet colour trends come through, including royal blue, forest green, dusty pink, mustard yellow and geometric patterns. According to JustServicesGroup.com, who analysed global Google search volumes, ‘grey’ is the
British Association of Landscape Industries’ Accredited Contractor Graduate Gardeners has swept the 45th National Landscape Awards, taking home the prestigious Grand Award, the Principal Award in their category, and a Special Award for Best Design and Build for their breathtaking scheme, Private Garden, Cheltenham. The annual National Landscape Awards, held
There’s no getting away from the fact that demolition projects can be disruptive – but that doesn’t mean the industry can’t offer a wide variety of benefits for local communities. Of course, nobody working in the demolition industry needs to be persuaded of the long-term advantages we bring to local
Sustainable construction innovators, Dura Products has won a contract to supply the Thames Tideway site at Barn Elms with its Durakerb product. The installation, delivered in partnership with Keyline Civil Specialists in London, will see over 1km ofthe company’s lightweight, environmentally friendly kerbstone installed along the main access route to
Indoor climate specialist Warmafloor, part of the Wavin Group, has launched a new range of mechanical heat recovery ventilation systems. The ultra-efficient Ventiza range offers a complete end-to-end solution, which helps to control the flow of air into any residential space. As the focus continues to grow for developers
More than ever, modern building projects can benefit from the use of certified products, writes Daniel May, Director of Consort Architectural Hardware. The needs of modern building environments have evolved. Throughout the construction process, decision makers are more commonly deliberating on themes such as innovation, accessibility and sustainability. And that’s
Joblogic and Refcom have collaborated to launch a software module in the UK that ensures F-Gas compliance. It also makes it simpler and faster for HVAC engineers to comply since they can now input the data directly into a compliant logbook via a mobile app. Legislation demands that an engineer
Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, part of the NSG Group, has appointed Neil Syder to managing director to lead the glass manufacturer as it adapts to an age of decarbonisation and targets new opportunities. Neil brings over 30 years’ experience within the company to the post. Most recently as head of
British designer and manufacturer of quality fitted furniture, Daval, shares its expertise by giving its five best power questions to ask your kitchen designer in order to empower you and your home. “As the kitchen living space is such a key part of today’s home and family lifestyle, it is
This is a good time to be asking ourselves about fuel usage norms because we’re currently in the midst of a fuel-related transition period. As of April 2022, red diesel – the standard option for many organisations in the construction and demolition world – is going to cost substantially more, because it will no longer be subject to a favourable tax rebate. In other words: fuel is going to get a lot more expensive. Given that red diesel will no longer be the obvious, commercially viable choice for the industry, now is the time to reflect on whether a firm commitment needs to be made to environmentally friendly alternative fuels. This chain of thought is precisely one which the government hoped to spark off with this new policy. As the policy paper notes, this tax change is designed to incentivise “users of polluting fuels like diesel to improve the energy efficiency of their vehicles and machinery, invest in cleaner alternatives, or just use less fuel. These tax changes should therefore have a positive impact on carbon emissions and air quality.” Efforts to reduce diesel emissions are, obviously, of paramount importance. As the Environmental Protection Agency notes, diesel emissions not only produce ground-level ozone, which damages vegetation, but they also contribute to climate change – an issue which is, as mentioned above, at the forefront of our collective minds at the moment. It’s clear that a switch to environmentally friendly fuels is a good move for all concerned. However, this kind of government intervention won’t achieve this by itself. Shouldering the responsibility on an industry-wide level The issue with the government’s taxation changes to red diesel, in an environmental sense, is that they may not provide the crucial incentives named in the policy paper. Marie Claude Hemming, director of external affairs for the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA), has spoken out against the supposed environmental benefits of the government’s decision. As she notes: “While the Government has legislated to remove the tax rebate on construction’s red diesel use, it has also removed any incentive for greener fuels. This policy increases tax revenues but no longer provides the option to choose lower carbon alternatives in the first instance.” Diesel might be getting more expensive, but green fuels aren’t getting any cheaper. This doesn’t mean that green fuels aren’t worth adopting, of course: HVO, to take a prominent example, produces 90 per cent lower emissions, and it’s made from renewable materials including animal oils, fats, and of course vegetable oil. Moreover, introducing fuel usage changes that prioritise HVO would minimise any disruptions to this transition, since HVO is compatible with existing diesel engines. This means that although, on paper, adopting a new fuel usage standard might seem like a big shake-up, there would be no disruptions to day-to-day equipment in practice. In this sense, then, it’s entirely feasible for the industry to adopt this kind of new fuel usage standard. Crucially, however, the construction/demolition industry itself needs to take on the responsibility of making this kind of bold change. Current government interventions aren’t quite enough – as such, the onus is on us to update our standards and take proactive steps towards a better future for our planet. By Ben Griffiths, SHE and Operations Director, Rye Group www.ryegroup.co.uk
Although carpets have a reputation of being a boring – and typically beige – necessity, 2021 has seen some bolder and brighter carpet colour trends come through, including royal blue, forest green, dusty pink, mustard yellow and geometric patterns. According to JustServicesGroup.com, who analysed global Google search volumes, ‘grey’ is the firm favourite among customers buying a carpet, with the colour receiving 88,620 monthly searches. Whilst the past few years has seen more colourful and exciting carpet options coming through, people have preferred to stick with neutral tones for their interior decorations. As a result ‘grey’ comes in first in the top 10 ranking. Moving away from the simplicity of grey was ‘blue’, which was second on the list with an average of 17,400 monthly searches. The most popular ‘blue’ search terms included midnight, ‘duck egg’, ‘royal’ and ‘teal’ – in terms of blue patterns ‘herringbone’ was amongst the most searched for. Third in the top 10 was ‘black’, which reflects darker paint trends of the past few years. The brooding colour had 15,460 average monthly searches, and was followed by white (12,680) and green (11,780). Classic beige also appeared in the top 10, placing in position seven with 7,690 average monthly searches. The 10 most popular carpet colours of 2021 were: Grey: 88,620 monthly searches Blue: 17,400 monthly searches Black: 15,460 monthly searches White: 12,680 monthly searches Green: 11,780 monthly searches Brown: 10,190 monthly searches Beige: 7,690 monthly searches Patterned: 5,870 monthly searches Pink: 5,350 monthly searches Silver: 4,240 monthly searches Interior designer Rita Chulani said: “For most homes and commercial spaces the durability and neutrality of greys, blacks and blues always works with a modern to bring a warm cohesiveness to most areas. In 2021 there has been a slight turn to warm beiges with a hint of grey to a colour that we have coined as ‘greige’. “Sticking to neutral beiges and grey carpets certainly helps to follow trends and personal likes for certain colours in fabrics for drapery, cushions and upholstery.” Co-founder of JustServicesGroup.com Chris Burls said: “There are so many options for carpets whether it’s a large patterned rug or a neutral fitted carpet, it can be the perfect way to bring a room together. It doesn’t just have aesthetic value, it also has great insulation benefits in the colder months and can help to effectively retain heat in a home. “Whilst past years have seen more colourful and patterned carpets become more popular, we’re not surprised to see that our research has uncovered that a more neutral colour like grey is the most favoured.”
British Association of Landscape Industries’ Accredited Contractor Graduate Gardeners has swept the 45th National Landscape Awards, taking home the prestigious Grand Award, the Principal Award in their category, and a Special Award for Best Design and Build for their breathtaking scheme, Private Garden, Cheltenham. The annual National Landscape Awards, held at the iconic JW Marriott Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London celebrates the skills, hard work, quality, commitment, and successes of Association members and are the largest awards of their kind in Europe. They recognise excellence in landscape design, construction, and maintenance both in the UK and overseas, as well as Supplier exceptional service and employer excellence. Cotswold garden design specialists Graduate Gardeners are a multi award-winning design, construction, and landscaping company with nearly 50 years’ experience in creating exquisite contemporary and traditional gardens throughout Gloucestershire and the surrounding counties. The Grand award-winning project, ‘Private Garden, Cheltenham’ was a challenging under-taking. The client’s grounds were on a steeply sloping site and the brief was to maximise the view, provide better parking, enhance the entrance and create a more useable space within the garden. This required the skillful implementation of a design comprising a significant amount of groundworks to restructure the site. Italianate styling was used to create a truly beautiful private landscape for the owners to enjoy. This year’s National Landscape Awards’ Judges, led by Chair of the Judging Panel John Melmoe, jointly commented that by far the most impressive structural element of this design was the traditional dry stone retaining wall. Over 600 tons of material was excavated with over 300 tons of walling stone used, each piece placed by hand to create a wall 1.5m deep at the base – 500mm below ground level and 600mm at the top, with the finished height an average of 1.8m. It was a testament to the skill of the landscaping team, not least because the site is notorious for movement; there would be no foundation for the wall, other than the stone beneath the ground. It was only one element of a delightful in-house design that had transformed the space and created the most beautiful setting for the house. The Judges commented that Graduate Gardeners had raised the bar, showing the heights their peers must reach to be in the running for the Grand Award. This large house, with far reaching views across Cheltenham to the Welsh Hills was undergoing a total renovation when Graduate Gardeners were approached. Both upper and lower gardens were steeply sloping and there were a number of significant areas of construction, most notably, constructing the traditional dry stone retaining wall. Due to the challenging environment, a structural engineer was brought in to ensure a secure wall would remain for years to come. The in-house design included a beautiful contemporary Italianate courtyard and wildflower meadows above the retaining walls. Porcelain was used throughout for all the paved surfaces aside from the steps. Finally, a sophisticated planting scheme completed the design. Chair of the Judging Panel John Melmoe concluded: “Graduate Gardeners have combined a bold and intuitive design with construction perfection. A well-oiled machine, the designer and build team have worked seamlessly together and in partnership with the client, to create a setting for this beautiful home that embraces and optimises the surrounding landscape and views.” 79 National Landscape Awards bestowed on 53 members Awards entries were judged over the summer with 79 National Landscape Awards bestowed on 53 members of the Association in September and 29 Principal, 4 Special and the coveted Grand Award announced live on stage at the prestigious ceremony. Other notable wins announced at the Awards ceremony came from Accredited Contractor Nurture Landscapes who won 2 Principal Awards, 1 for the UK Trade Desk and one for Milton Park – Oxfordshire and Bluestone Landscapes, recipients of a Principal award in the Roof Gardens/Living Wall Installations – Residential Roof Garden or Podium Landscaping – Under £250,000 category and also winners of a Special Award for Best Newcomer to BALI, sponsored by CED Stone Group. Best First Time Entrant, sponsored by Makita UK, went to Bespoke Stone Walling for their work at a Private Residence in Gloucestershire. Best Use of Technology, sponsored by Overtec, went to a project by Carrier Landscapes who entered the Regeneration Scheme under £500,000 category, sponsored by AHS. Carrier Landscapes won the award for the work they did at Kelham Hall, Nesfield Parterre de Broderie. There have only ever been two parterre restorations at Kelham Hall, one back in the 1950s and this second one by Carrier Landscapes. This was the fourth year the Awards were successfully delivered in-house by the British Association of Landscape Industries and the first at JW Marriott, Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London following last year’s necessary, virtual ceremony. Events Project Manager, Emily Feeney said: “It has been fantastic to have so many members come together in person once again to celebrate the culmination of so much of their hard work. The passion and dedication to quality I see in this role continues to astound me and after what has been one of the most trying years for so many it has been even more humbling to bear witness to such resilience and excellence.” Host for the ceremony BBC Radio Five Live’s Colin Murray brought a light-hearted feel to the afternoon and shared stories about his aspirations as a young man to pursue a career in landscaping prior to being lured into the world of journalism to the delight of close to 1,000 VIPs, members and guests and for the first year a virtual audience viewing the ceremony via a livestream. British Association of Landscape Industries Chief Executive, Wayne Grills commented: “I am thrilled to welcome back our members and guests to the 45th National Landscape Awards. A huge congratulations goes to our 2021 Grand Award winner Graduate Gardeners for their outstanding project that wowed the Judges with its brave and intuitive design and construction perfection that epitomised the exemplary work of Association members. Congratulations go to all
There’s no getting away from the fact that demolition projects can be disruptive – but that doesn’t mean the industry can’t offer a wide variety of benefits for local communities. Of course, nobody working in the demolition industry needs to be persuaded of the long-term advantages we bring to local areas. Demolition projects are often a vital part of urban renewal plans, for example, clearing the way for the regenerative benefits of a revitalised environment. McKinsey has highlighted the urgency surrounding urban transformation brought on by the pandemic. Its report on the Bloomberg New Economy Forum notes that while cities still have a prominent part to play in our lives, we need to rethink what city centres look like – for example by making shopping more experiential in a way that can’t be replicated when making an online purchase. While demolition plays a huge and necessary role in that kind of regeneration, it’s completely understandable that local people, facing short-term disruptions to their lives, aren’t always inclined to take a broader, long-term view of the situation. As such, it’s important that the demolition industry takes the initiative to proactively demonstrate and expand upon the ways in which we contribute to the communities we serve. One of the most tangible and immediately impactful ways of doing this is to employ local labour for the various non-permanent roles that each project needs to fill. The community benefits of engaging local labour It goes without saying that providing a source of employment within a given community is going to have positive ramifications. Offering jobs to local people will stimulate the community’s economy and forge closer connections between demolition firms and the people around them – and there’s scope for firms to make a real difference in that arena. Hiring ex-military personnel, for example – as we plan to do on an upcoming project – could have a hugely positive impact on a deserving group. According to pre-pandemic research from Barclays, around 22 per cent of armed forces leavers face employment difficulties. Stepping in to help resolve this issue is completely within the grasp of demolition firms up and down the country. Alternatively, firms might consider employing younger, less experienced people for some of its junior positions. After all, the industry can be highly rewarding, but – beyond childhood images of wrecking balls and explosions – it’s not one that many young people will have considered as a career path. In setting young people’s feet on this path, demolition firms can contribute towards changing the current youth unemployment problem. The House of Lords Youth Unemployment Committee has just recently pointed out that one in eight under 25s are neither working, in education, nor in training – leaving the stage set for the industry to give back to the community in an instantly substantive way. Local councils have recently woken up to benefits like these, with some new projects requiring the employment of local people – ten per cent of the workforce, in some cases – in order to satisfy and discharge planning conditions. But firms are under no obligation to limit themselves to these minimum requirements – especially considering the advantages that local labour can offer demolition projects. Advantages of local labour for demolition firms Beneficial though employing local labour can be for communities, this isn’t just an empty gesture towards CSR. There are, in fact, a wealth of varied advantages for demolition firms which embrace local labour. Taking a broad view, there are wide-ranging implications for the environmental impact of projects which employ local people. With several employees living close to demolition sites, the carbon emissions associated with commuting will be reduced or eliminated altogether. This is of great benefit for firms looking to reduce their carbon footprint – something we should all be looking to embrace. According to the International Energy Agency, road vehicles account for three quarters of all emissions, so taking steps to limit their usage is a fantastically beneficial aspect of local labour. Leaving aside the wider environmental ramifications, local labour can also provide practical, on-the-job advantages to firms prepared to embrace it. Employing local people allows firms to access new pools of talent and different skill sets, which isn’t necessarily possible if firms choose to ferry existing employees to faraway sites on a regular basis. These different skill sets come to the fore when – returning to a previous example – firms hire ex-military personnel. Military veterans are trained to operate in high-risk environments, making them well suited to the demolition industry – and a prime instance of the transferable skills that local labour can offer. Clearly, then, the practice of hiring locally has extensive ramifications – for the environment, for local economies, for local people in need of good employment in a rewarding profession, and for an industry whose long-term efforts to improve local areas can be matched by an immediate and tangible contribution to the communities it serves. Written for BDC Magazine by Ben Griffiths, SHE and Operations Director, Rye Group
Sustainable construction innovators, Dura Products has won a contract to supply the Thames Tideway site at Barn Elms with its Durakerb product. The installation, delivered in partnership with Keyline Civil Specialists in London, will see over 1km ofthe company’s lightweight, environmentally friendly kerbstone installed along the main access route to the site, described as ‘one of the greenest sites on the Tideway project’. Durakerb, made from 88% recycled polymers, is a lightweight polymeric kerb unit. With a carbon footprint of just 1.06kg of carbon dioxide (CO2) per kg, it offers a far more sustainable alternative than its concrete counterpart, as well as being safer, faster, and easier to install. Itwill be fitted at the West London site, a key location for the construction of the ‘Thames Tideway Tunnel’, also known as London’s ‘super sewer’. The project, delivered by construction company Tideway, involves the installation of a 25km tunnel that will intercept, store, and ultimately transfer sewage waste away from the River Thames. The decision to opt for Durakerb reflects Tideway’s commitment to green construction and a focus on sustainability. In addition to the health and ecological benefits inherent in the project, the company have pledged to plant two trees for every one removed and use the river as their primary transport route between sites, in turn, producing fewer carbon emissions. Such initiatives draw parallels with Dura Products. The companyuses a blend of recycled polymers to manufacture their products, ensuring it continues to divert waste from landfill and reduce demand for virgin plastic. The company’s green credentials were affirmed earlier this month with the announcement of new Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) for Durakerb and its two other products, Durachannel, a linear surface drainage system, and Duradrain, a dual function kerb and drainage system. The three products recorded carbon footprints of just 1.06, 1.47 and 1.71kg of carbon dioxide per kg respectively. Commenting on the contract, Steve Bennett, Managing Director of Dura Products said: “More and more frequently, we are seeing construction companies opt for the green alternative, reflecting the industry’s commitment to reducing its impact on our planet. It’s particularly satisfying to be awarded a contract by a company that shares our ethos and are striving to make the world a greener place. We’re looking forward to assisting them in their mission to prevent millions of tonnes of sewage from entering the river each year”.
Indoor climate specialist Warmafloor, part of the Wavin Group, has launched a new range of mechanical heat recovery ventilation systems. The ultra-efficient Ventiza range offers a complete end-to-end solution, which helps to control the flow of air into any residential space. As the focus continues to grow for developers and specifiers around ensuring that both new-build and refurb projects are well insulated, it’s also vital that there is a fresh flow of air to help boost end-user wellbeing and ensure homes are hygienic and healthy spaces. This is where ultra-efficient mechanical ventilation systems can work with existing heating systems, including underfloor heating, to provide a truly efficient complete solution for indoor climate in the home. Ventiza uses premium quality heat exchangers and has an extremely low power consumption to ensure an effective result, helping to keep bills as low as possible for end-users, and warm, clean air in circulation. Available in a range of sizes and variations for different types of property, the ventilation systems ensure a high air quality output for any property type – including flats and apartments, with a special low profile, ceiling-mounted unit available. Tony Croke, Product Manager Indoor Climate Solutions at Wavin, said: “As innovations across the construction industry continue to make developments as efficient as possible, it’s important that advancements in insulation don’t lead to poor air quality in residential spaces. This is where mechanical ventilation comes in, and if systems are designed and specified correctly, these solutions can vastly improve air quality and end-user wellbeing. “The new Ventiza range is an intuitive system that can work with our innovative Sentio control units too – meaning residents have complete oversight of their entire indoor climate systems through the use of the smart control unit.” Ventiza has been independently tested by BRE and has been found to exceed building regulation requirements in the UK, meaning it can be specified with extra piece of mind. As with all other Warmafloor offerings, the Ventiza range is also offered as part of its turnkey solution, which includes a full design, supply, installation, and commission service. For more information on the Ventiza range, and all of Warmafloor’s product offerings, visit: https://warmafloor.co.uk/.
More than ever, modern building projects can benefit from the use of certified products, writes Daniel May, Director of Consort Architectural Hardware. The needs of modern building environments have evolved. Throughout the construction process, decision makers are more commonly deliberating on themes such as innovation, accessibility and sustainability. And that’s not mentioning the renewed focus on building safety and performance, succeeding the Hackitt Review. As the collective commitment towards these topics grows, it’s as vital as ever for design professionals to deliver reliable, quality materials and hardware on their projects. Architectural hardware for example, is one of the most heavily used elements within a building environment, and a typical busy door can be used 150 times each day. Door hardware plays a pivotal role in a building’s operational network and its fire safety, and so the application of certified hardware solutions shouldn’t be undervalued. Daniel May of Consort explains: “While it’s important to deliver on aesthetics and innovation, there is always a clear responsibility to provide safe and secure building environments. The latest in reforms – think the Building Safety Bill and the regulations that has introduced – will continue to raise the standards associated with building design and with that, the benefits of certified hardware will shine. “Along the supply chain, the durability of hardware products is key, and this is in no way more assured than with independent certifications. For example, for fire doors to operate as intended, they rely on fitted hardware to perform – opening and closing upon demand to ensure the compartmentalisation of smoke and fire. “Fire door hardware products should, at a minimum, be CE marked, showing they comply with the minimum in regulatory requirements. However, to emphasise the highest levels of performance and durability, product manufacturers will often look towards third-party certifications such as the commonly recognised Certifire – a certification scheme that assures the performance, quality, reliability and traceability of hardware products. “For architects, specifiers and end users alike, product certifications such as Certifire boost the dependability of hardware choices and make for an easier, less time-consuming selection process. They provide additional confidence that the chosen product will perform when called upon, remaining safe and high performing throughout its lifecycle. “A building is a network of design choices, all of which must work in tandem for the infrastructure to operate as intended. Should one area fail, for example, the mechanisms of a fire door closer, the infrastructure becomes compromised – heightening safety and security risks for the building’s occupants and visitors. It’s critical that only the most durable products are used in these scenarios and whether using non-standard or standard arm applications, hardware must be compliant – with various areas considered, such as meeting DDA requirements by paying close attention towards the opening forces used in public spaces. And while manufacturers have a responsibility to test, label and supply the highest standard of product, decision makers must then also choose to apply hardware that meets the requirements of the building in question.” Avoiding Costly Errors In some cases, design teams will face a choice between the initial costs of certified products and their less reliable counterparts. Although economic considerations are often part of the construction process, durable hardware will continue to perform long after its initial supply period, whereas cheaper hardware alternatives can become counterintuitive, failing to offer that same quality and durability and leading to costly consequences. Later in a building’s lifecycle, where less durable products have been used, complications can arise. With this, the costs associated with future maintenance and replacements can quickly begin to add up and work against the original decision. Not to mention the expense to building safety. More recently, sustainability continues to grow into the conversation, fairly asking questions about the environmental impact buildings omit. As was referenced at the recent COP26 conference, the built environment and construction sector accounts for 38% of the world’s Carbon Emissions. For the UK specifically, it’s said that 45% of the total UK carbon emissions are associated to the built environment and changes must now be made to avoid both environmental and reputational costs. Daniel adds: “The time has come for decision makers to do their part to limit the consumption of construction resources too, and certified architectural hardware can play its part here too. Hardware can also gain environmental certifications, such as ISO 14000, which is a set of standards designed to reduce environmental waste and damage. “Similar to Certifire, BREEAM is a third-party sustainability assessment method focusing on infrastructure and buildings. Hardware products can become recognised under independent standards – providing users with peace of mind that products are more durable, ethically sourced and environmentally resourceful. The aim is to reduce replacement hardware and the amount of packaging that is associated with replacements. And extended durability – represented through certifications – is the way forward. “The benefit of using certified architectural hardware is now more clear than ever. From performance benefits to dependability, all hardware – even the often-overlooked lever handles and flush bolts – should meet the requirements of their building, and there’s no better way to ensure this than with certified products. Building design will benefit from raised standards, and right now, decision makers can benefit from certification-led design.
Joblogic and Refcom have collaborated to launch a software module in the UK that ensures F-Gas compliance. It also makes it simpler and faster for HVAC engineers to comply since they can now input the data directly into a compliant logbook via a mobile app. Legislation demands that an engineer must track and record any movement of refrigerant gas in an official logbook. There also needs to be a back-office system that shows all the work completed on equipment. Says Greg Hill, Principal Consultant at Joblogic: “While it is possible to record work completed on paper-based systems this can be time consuming and lead to errors when a second person inputs the data into the back-office system. With each piece of equipment and all the cylinders having their own logbooks, it can take time to find all the necessary paperwork, discover what needs completing on an asset, do the work and then fill in each of the logbooks with all the correct information. “Using the Refcom F-Gas Tracking Module, the engineer will know what work they need to do before they arrive to ensure that they have the right tools and equipment to get it right first time. Having completed the work they simply input the relevant information into the Joblogic Refcom App on their phone or tablet which will then automatically populate the online logbooks and the back-office systems to save time and avoid any errors.” Further time savings are possible if a company decides to use QR codes to identify individual assets within an HVAC system since the engineer can then simply scan the equipment to find out about its service history and the work that needs doing. This will also automatically find the form for that asset to make it easier and faster to complete and record the job. With each asset in a system having its own logbook, automating the track and trace system will save hours of time so that the engineer can complete more work. Says Graeme Fox, Head of Technical for Refcom: “We wanted a software system that would report data straight into the correct forms to ensure compliance. We also wanted to make the task simpler and faster for our members and take advantage of all the technology that is available to ensure accurate track and trace, such as for example using QR codes. “It is vital that HVAC engineers are fully compliant with F-Gas legislation and there have been occasions where data has been missed or the logbook has been incorrectly filled in so that a job was not compliant. This is generally an honest mistake and people may not even realise that they have not met the legislative needs.” All Refcom members will receive a free user licence for the new software module which includes a back-office reporting system, logbooks and the facility to add the mobile app for an engineer. This allows an organisation to plan and schedule future maintenance work and customise and produce reports in whatever format they want. For a free demonstration of the Joblogic Refcom F-Gas tracking and compliance software visit https://www.joblogic.com/features/fgas-compliance-software/.
Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, part of the NSG Group, has appointed Neil Syder to managing director to lead the glass manufacturer as it adapts to an age of decarbonisation and targets new opportunities. Neil brings over 30 years’ experience within the company to the post. Most recently as head of operations, Neil has brought a new standard of efficiency and customer focus to the St Helens manufacturing operations. He was the second Syder to hold the position of head of operations at the glass giant, moving temporarily to Sweden as a child as his father established the company’s Halmstad plant. Neil began at the company working in R&D in the 1980s, building extensive experience over four decades in specialist glass coatings, running production lines, and operational planning. Neil takes over from Matt Buckley, who takes retirement after serving as managing director for more than a decade and having spent 30 years with the business. The change takes effect from the end of December 2021. “It’s an exciting time to take this new post, with the glass industry set to play a transformative role in an age of decarbonisation. We’ve undertaken the world’s first trials in powering a glass furnace with hydrogen at our base in St Helens to help improve our carbon impact within supply chains, while simultaneously delivering the materials that will enable better energy performance in the built environment,” said Neil Syder, incoming managing director at Pilkington UK. “What’s more, Pilkington UK has a fantastic team with a wealth of expertise, operational efficiency, and range of advanced production capabilities to grow as an even more dynamic supplier. Agility will be crucial as we target more collaborative growth opportunities with our customers, while seeing off current headwinds facing the wider manufacturing sector.” Pilkington UK recently became the first glass manufacturer to trial the use of hydrogen in a glass furnace. In 2022 Pilkington UK will also mark the 70th anniversary of the float glass process – the method of manufacturing glass pioneered by Sir Alastair Pilkington in St Helens, Merseyside, and used to this day around the word. In 2006, Pilkington was acquired by leading glass supplier The NSG Group, which today has principle operations around the world and sales in more than 100 countries.
British designer and manufacturer of quality fitted furniture, Daval, shares its expertise by giving its five best power questions to ask your kitchen designer in order to empower you and your home. “As the kitchen living space is such a key part of today’s home and family lifestyle, it is crucial for consumers to have confidence in their design team and understand every aspect of the process. By facilitating open and transparent conversations between designers and clients, the KBB industry as a whole can provide exemplary service and help homeowners to find the right kitchen to suit their property as well as their daily routine,” said Managing Director, at Daval, Simon Bodsworth. 1: How sustainable is this kitchen? As the UK adjusts to life after Brexit and looks to support British manufacturing as well adopting more sustainable strategies when building, it is increasingly important to ask about sustainability when it comes to kitchen manufacture. Ask your designer about the provenance and longevity of materials and factory processes so you can build up a picture of how many ‘design miles’ your kitchen will need to travel and how eco-conscious the manufacturer is. It is also important to ask about various kitchen elements can be recycled when they reach the end of their lifespan so you can make an informed decision as a responsible homeowner. A reputable manufacturer will be keen to mention its awards and credentials for ethical product sourcing and processes so it pays to do your research online as well as in the showroom to be sure that you are buying from a brand which inspires your trust. 2: How hygienic is this kitchen? With health and hygiene is a new cornerstone of family kitchen design, especially as the ‘worried well’ are taking a keen interest in optimising wellness. This is increasingly important in an open plan kitchen which is ‘the nerve centre of the home’ and experiences more foot traffic. With this in mind, look out for anti-bacterial adding extra protection to kitchen surfaces. These coatings are more resistant to the growth of bacteria and help minimise the risk of cross-contamination when prepping food. Anti-bacterial coating brings another level of protection to kitchen surfaces, especially if members of your household suffer from allergies, have low immunity or there are pets in the house. Stainless steel drawers, presentation-style glass panels and anti-fingerprint surface treatments also serve as a barrier and will protect you and your family against harmful substances so your kitchen furniture remains durable and non-toxic to your health and home environment. 3: Can this furniture be tailored to my needs? Custom-made kitchens that enhance both work and social life continue to grow in popularity, and this is inspiring open-plan spaces that are family-friendly and encompass kitchen, dining and living areas in one. With this in mind, ask your designer about flexible features such as banquette seating, integral breakfast bars and extra power points which should be considered at an early stage of planning to ensure the ‘fundamentals’ are planned-in so that you can conveniently charge your laptop, smart phone or other electronic device in a dedicated area of the kitchen: great when working from home or enjoying some down time with friends and family. 4: Will this kitchen complement my house and lifestyle? The days of ‘off-the-peg’ kitchens are long gone as we all embrace our own personal style and individualism at home. If you are looking to create a particular look that you wish to carry through into the kitchen then flag it to your kitchen designer so that he or she can explore made-to-measure, made-to-order furniture which will fit your space perfectly. Always be honest about your practical needs too, especially if you are looking for a designated utility room or want to accommodate a pet bed. Do not edit yourself when it comes to talking about your favourite colours and textures in the kitchen as your designer needs to know what you like and how your prefer to use your space. Make sure that you can refer to a manufacturer’s website and social media for design inspiration so you can have a better idea of the how it will look in real life in different colours and finishes. 5: What are the storage possibilities? As the kitchen living dynamic has expanded to include home office and home entertainment elements, you need to be sure that everything from recycling bins to bar ware and paperwork can be stored safely when not in use. Careful thought needs to be applied to the layout of the kitchen as for instance, a larder will inevitably store food, groceries and other provisions and so it needs to always remain close to hand and be protected against adverse conditions like direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. In fact, you are best served positioning any larder storage next to the fridge as it will ensure the pantry goods are right next to the fresh foods for optimum convenience. It also pays to enquire about high volume food storage so that you have peace of mind knowing your essentials can always be housed. For example, small mezzanine racks provide additional storage space in cupboards with pull-out rack systems and combination shelving is a way to create one complete area, which caters to multiple needs.
