Stantec has been appointed to provide integrated design services for Agratas, Tata Group’s global battery business, which is building a battery cell manufacturing facility on the Gravity Smart Campus in the United Kingdom (UK). The new advanced manufacturing facility, comprising three separate buildings with associated ancillary structures, will create up
Scotland’s leading electrical bodies say the industry is leading the way with skills and training to help power the technology of tomorrow – and are urging others to follow in its footsteps to ensure Scotland makes a successful transition to net zero. SELECT, the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) and
Energy Networks Association (ENA) has announced the latest theme of the industry’s leading safety initiative, Powering Improvement, is “supporting individuals working alone.” The Powering Improvement initiative, operated by ENA, is supporting the electricity sector in its drive to reduce the number of fatalities, life changing injuries or major safety incidents
Low-carbon heating and cooling for every UK home is one step closer as Kensa breaks ground with the next generation of heating. By 2050 millions of UK homes will need to decarbonise their heating and, with the launch of its new small and powerful Shoebox NX Ground Source Heat Pump,
The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has urged the UK government to focus on ways to accelerate growth in the number of whole building retrofit projects carried out during 2024. The Association believes only “a holistic approach to building performance” will unlock the full potential of the building services industry
Energy and water efficiency company Cenergist has been appointed by public sector procurement organisation Fusion21 as part of a multi-supplier Heating, Renewables and Electrical framework. The Fusion21 Heating, Renewables and Electrical Framework, which is now in its fourth generation, is worth up to £820m over a four-year period. Its aim
Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has completed one of the UK construction sector’s first pilots to test the use of electric vans on major project sites. The pilot programme, in partnership with Enterprise Flex E-Rent, tested the use of electric vehicles (EVs) in construction projects, with electric vans trialled across
Integrated Water Services (IWS) M&E is delighted to announce that they successfully gained membership of the British Constructional Steelwork Association (BCSA). The BCSA offers membership to businesses that implement the design, fabrication and erection of constructional and architectural steelwork for buildings and can demonstrate that they meet the competence requirements
The scheme officially completed last week with the final light being installed at Edith Sykes Drive in east Leeds. Leeds City Council today announces the completion of its LED lighting scheme, an extensive project aimed at improving energy efficiency in street lighting throughout the city. Initiated in December 2018, the
Taconova installs 229 Heat Interface Units in new residential development A new £37m residential development in Sheffield is benefiting from sustainable and efficient heating, courtesy of Taconova’s market-leading Heat Interface Units (HIUs). The Ironworks: Redefining Urban Living Situated on Scotland Street, the Ironworks has been developed by Rise Homes and
Stantec has been appointed to provide integrated design services for Agratas, Tata Group’s global battery business, which is building a battery cell manufacturing facility on the Gravity Smart Campus in the United Kingdom (UK). The new advanced manufacturing facility, comprising three separate buildings with associated ancillary structures, will create up to 4,000 jobs on-site over the lifespan of the project and thousands more in the supply chain. With innovative technologies and resource-efficient processes, the facility will produce high-quality, high-performance, sustainable battery cells. The next generation of batteries will support Britain’s energy transition and power hundreds of thousands of electric vehicles. This is one of the most significant manufacturing investments in the UK, and the factory will be one of the largest of its kind in Europe. “The Agratas facility will be pioneering in battery cell production, addressing demand in the advanced manufacturing space in the UK head-on, while benefiting productivity, the climate, and the economy,” said Gord Johnston, president and chief executive officer of Stantec. “Stantec has strong capabilities in the advanced manufacturing space, and we look forward to working closely with Agratas to provide our significant breadth and depth of experience and support the successful completion of its project.” “We look forward to working with Stantec to design the UK’s largest battery cell manufacturing facility. Using state-of-the-art technology, our facility will power the transition to electric mobility and clean energy storage,” said: Joe Hibbert, vice president of Capital Projects, Agratas. “Our partnership with Stantec is the next step in our mission to deliver best-in-class battery solutions for our global customers.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Scotland’s leading electrical bodies say the industry is leading the way with skills and training to help power the technology of tomorrow – and are urging others to follow in its footsteps to ensure Scotland makes a successful transition to net zero. SELECT, the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) and the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) have released a new video ahead of Scottish Apprenticeship Week that reinforces the range of renewable training currently being undertaken by apprentices. The film shows how young electricians are receiving a thorough grounding in a wide range of green skills to enable them to cater for our future heat and power needs, including working with electric vehicles, battery storage, solar panels, air source heat pumps and more. But the bodies also insist that the government, homeowners and wider construction sector must also embrace the opportunities offered by renewables and work together to ensure that the transition to net zero becomes a reality. Alan Wilson, Managing Director of SELECT, said: “This video aims not only to inspire young learners to become electrical apprentices but also to show that the electrical industry is at the heart of the move to the electrification of society. “However, we also need to persuade those outwith our industry to be equally committed to the adoption and uptake of green technology to ensure that this training is not in vain and that the electricians of tomorrow emerge into a country that is willing to embrace renewables.” Fiona Harper, Director of Employment and Skills at SELECT and The Secretary of the SJIB, added: “To ensure that there is a sustainable and healthy pipeline of work for this next generation of electricians, we need the government, the Scottish people and the construction industry to use renewable technology and join us on the transition to net zero. “Such a transition needs to happen now and we all need to face the reality that we must do it sooner rather than later if we are to secure an energy-efficient future for our children and our children’s children. “More incentives for the adoption and installation of green technology and clearer advice and information on funding and grants would be a big help in encouraging take-up and ensuring the renewables skills currently being taught are successfully utilised by electrical professionals in the years to come.” Running from March 4 to 8, this year’s Scottish Apprenticeship Week will again celebrate the value and importance of apprenticeships, with this year’s event focusing on skills generation. Anne Galbraith, CEO of SECTT, said: “The electrical sector in Scotland is taking the lead in skills generation, with 2,500 young people currently receiving the training necessary to cultivate complex skill sets and lay strong foundations for a long and rewarding career. “However, the vast depth of knowledge needed to become an electrician can only be obtained by completing the Modern Apprenticeship, and there are no short cuts to equipping electrical professionals with the skills they need to power our country for decades to come. “If we are to make the transition to net zero safely and securely, it is of the utmost importance that the electricians of tomorrow spend a minimum of four years learning their trade properly and completing a dedicated, tailor-made apprenticeship.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Energy Networks Association (ENA) has announced the latest theme of the industry’s leading safety initiative, Powering Improvement, is “supporting individuals working alone.” The Powering Improvement initiative, operated by ENA, is supporting the electricity sector in its drive to reduce the number of fatalities, life changing injuries or major safety incidents down to zero, while encouraging a more engaged and healthier workforce by 2025. The theme will help to support and empower individuals in the following areas: The Powering Improvement initiative represents a collaborative effort between ENA, industries, trade unions, and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). As it enters its third phase, Powering Improvement remains focused on safeguarding the well-being of the energy workforce as the sector works to deliver the net zero transition. By promoting a positive health and safety culture, it aims to help effectively manage health and safety risks. Cordi O’Hara OBE, President, National Grid Electricity Distribution and one of ENA’s Powering Improvement champions for 2024/25, said: “I am very pleased to take on the role of a Powering Improvement Champion, particularly this year, as supporting individuals working alone is a crucial step towards making everyone safer at work. “After more than 20 years in the energy industry I know that even with the best systems, policies and procedures in place, positive and constructive working relationships are also vital if staff are to continually improve and achieve all they can. “We need to remember staff are not just employees but partners in the sector’s journey towards net zero. By valuing and investing in our employees, we can cultivate a motivated and engaged workforce that is committed to helping the UK deliver our sustainable future.” Simon Coop, National Officer – Energy and Utilities Sector, Unite the Union, and another Powering Improvement champion, said: “I am very happy to be a champion for Powering Improvement this year. Individuals often operate in challenging and potentially hazardous environments, where their safety and well-being are paramount. By providing adequate support, businesses can help mitigate these risks and ensure the physical and mental well-being of their employees. This includes implementing robust safety protocols, offering comprehensive training programs, promoting a culture of reporting, addressing incidents of violence and harassment and regularly monitoring and addressing fatigue-related issues. “By prioritising the support of individuals working alone, businesses can create a safer and more inclusive working environment whilst fostering a sense of trust, confidence, and productivity among their workforce.“Working alongside Union Health and Safety Committees and trained union Safety Reps in the workplace pays dividends in ensuring the highest of safety standards.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Low-carbon heating and cooling for every UK home is one step closer as Kensa breaks ground with the next generation of heating. By 2050 millions of UK homes will need to decarbonise their heating and, with the launch of its new small and powerful Shoebox NX Ground Source Heat Pump, Kensa is unlocking a proven, Net-Zero-ready solution. Kensa’s solution – Networked Ground Source Heat Pumps – replicates the familiarity and accessibility of gas networks and enables the mass rollout of heat pumps in the UK, bringing low-cost renewable heating and cooling to almost any type of home, whether that’s a new build, a 19th-century Victorian terrace, a tenement or a high-rise urban flat. One-third of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions come from heat, and 6.5 million homes are estimated to be in fuel poverty. Kensa’s solution will boost heat pump installations, shielding millions from unpredictable energy costs by replacing imported gas with domestically produced renewable electricity. Tamsin Lishman, Kensa Heat Pumps CEO, said: “This is a game-changing heat pump designed for the UK. Until now, achieving mass heat pump rollout has been a complex challenge, but with the launch of our Shoebox NX, we’ve engineered a small, high-performance heat pump that’s ready to replace gas as the main home heating choice. “When combined with our Networked Ground Source Heat Pumps solution, it unlocks cosy homes in the winter and cooler homes in the summer for almost anyone, and at low costs to the consumer. “For 25 years Kensa has been pioneering Ground Source Heat Pump technology, and with the Shoebox NX we’re ready to deliver heat pumps for everyone, cut household carbon emissions and make green home heating a reality.” John Bromley, Managing Director – Clean Energy Strategy & Investments at Legal and General Capital, said: “Housing requires some of the most substantial and immediate overhauls of any industry to improve standards, reduce running costs for consumers, and to reach net zero. The Kensa Group’s highly efficient, networked ground-source heating and cooling will play a key part in this transition. “As an experienced energy transition investor, we are proud to be supporting Kensa’s growth and we are delighted to see the launch of their latest ground-breaking Shoebox NX heat pump, a culmination of years of expertise and development. “We share Kensa’s ambition to deliver reliable, efficient heating solutions for consumers, developers, housing providers, and more – taking us a step closer to decarbonising UK properties at scale.” Shoebox NX heat pump performance facts and figures: Networked ground source heat pump findings: Kensa’s Shoebox NX is the latest development in ground source heat pump technology and delivers the efficiency of a large heat pump, in one that’s small enough to fit in a cupboard. Designed with mass heat pump rollout and ease of installation in mind, factory production of the NX can be readily scaled up to deliver 30,000 per year, with further expansion planned, and can be easily fitted by most heating and plumbing engineers without extensive training. Networked ground source heat pumps are a proven, scalable solution, which have next to no above-ground presence and are already providing clean heating for new build homes and complex-to-decarbonise private and social retrofit properties. Kensa’s model is designed to be as familiar and as accessible as the gas network and, once the infrastructure is deployed, allows households to connect at a time that suits them. With the Future Homes Standard, which is set to effectively ban gas boilers in new build homes from 2025, and the Government’s target to deliver 600,000 heat pumps a year by 2028, UK heat pump installations are set to rapidly increase. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has urged the UK government to focus on ways to accelerate growth in the number of whole building retrofit projects carried out during 2024. The Association believes only “a holistic approach to building performance” will unlock the full potential of the building services industry to cut carbon emissions, improve energy security, and reduce consumers’ bills. BESA welcomed the allocation of an extra £1.5bn to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), as part of a wider £6bn push to improve building energy efficiency but said the Future Homes and Buildings Standards, due to come into force next year, should be more focused on whole building solutions. The Association also sought to downplay the potential of hydrogen for heating buildings saying it only had “limited feasibility” due to a range of financial and technical difficulties. “There is a danger that hydrogen becomes a damaging distraction because of vested interests trying to keep it in the decarbonisation picture, but it will only play a very minor role in buildings long-term,” said BESA technical director Graeme Fox. “It certainly could play some part in industrial and transport sectors, but not home heating – the infrastructure issues are too complex and the costs too high,” he added. “We need to keep focused on full building retrofits that make best use of energy efficient design and existing low carbon heating and cooling solutions.” Uplift There was a surge of applications for heat pump installation grants in late 2023 following the uplift in the BUS scheme to £7,500 per installation. The Association also welcomed the addition of a £400m energy efficiency grant, set to launch in 2025, which is intended to help households in England make wider improvements to their homes including installing larger radiators and insulation. A total of £1.545bn was added to the BUS fund to run from 2025-2028, but BESA said this could be bolstered with some additional funding for 2024 to keep up the momentum in the heat pump market. Over 4,000 contractors are now certified to install heat pumps and manufacturers’ efforts to improve the effectiveness of the technology are bearing fruit with more high temperature models coming onto the market, the Association added. The government is also consulting until March 6th on proposals for the upcoming Future Homes and Buildings Standards, which would, in effect, outlaw the use of gas boilers in new homes from 2025 onwards. It is also inviting feedback on proposed changes to the Building Regulations and calculation methods. “The government consultation pretty much rules out hydrogen-ready boilers too, but there are a number of exciting developments with heat pumps, including new high temperature models that could unlock further potential in that market,” said Fox. “The new funding and standards are a great opportunity to cement whole building retrofit as the way forward. The debate needs to move beyond individual technologies to the holistic approaches that make the best of the practical solutions we already have.” BESA also believes that ESG (environmental, social and governance) reporting will have an impact on building energy efficiency this year as clients come under pressure to be fully transparent about their net zero strategies to bolster their corporate reputations. In addition, all newly leased commercial buildings will need to achieve EPC ratings of C or higher from 2025 – with existing leases required to meet the same target by 2028 – and the Association said this could unlock greater investment this year as landlords seek to meet the deadlines. “2024 could be a big year for accelerating whole building retrofits to drive better energy performance, and the consultation is another opportunity for the government to send positive and supportive signals to the market,” said Fox. “Let’s turn the Boiler Upgrade Scheme into the Building Upgrade Scheme.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Energy and water efficiency company Cenergist has been appointed by public sector procurement organisation Fusion21 as part of a multi-supplier Heating, Renewables and Electrical framework. The Fusion21 Heating, Renewables and Electrical Framework, which is now in its fourth generation, is worth up to £820m over a four-year period. Its aim is to support owners of domestic and non-domestic buildings to ensure they are safe and compliant for their journey to carbon Net Zero. The framework has been designed specifically to support public sector organisations including housing, education and healthcare providers. Cenergist will supply the framework’s members with commercial heating installations alongside innovative low carbon solutions including ground and air source heat pumps for domestic and commercial settings. Chris McQuillan, Framework Manager at Fusion21 said: “We are delighted to welcome all of the new suppliers onto Fusion21’s Heating, Renewables and Electrical Framework, including Cenergist. “The tender process was highly competitive and has identified the best contractors for our members to use for the delivery of a whole range of heating and electrical programmes. “Members accessing this framework will benefit from flexible call-off options, UK-wide coverage, and the option to deliver social value to their communities, aligned to their organisational priorities.” Amongst the supplier framework for ground source heat pump installations in domestic settings (except in Northern Ireland), Cenergist has been ranked as a top provider. Last year, the company completed what it believed was the UK’s first installation of a high temperature air source heat pump in a domestic setting as part of Leeds City Council’s Clustering for Warmth project. Oliver Abrahams, head of energy at Cenergist, commented: “Fusion21 is a well-regarded, impactful public sector procurement support organisation. “To be listed, including as a top supplier for domestic ground source heat pump installations (with the exception of Northern Ireland) is a testament to our innovative, agile thinking in decarbonisation retrofits. “We look forward to working with the framework’s members to help them take meaningful, positive steps on their journey to Net Zero.” Cenergist supports local authorities, social housing providers, commercial clients and water companies to achieve their Net Zero and decarbonisation goals. As well as the UK, Cenergist also operates in Holland, Spain and India. For more information on Cenergist, visit www.cenergist.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has completed one of the UK construction sector’s first pilots to test the use of electric vans on major project sites. The pilot programme, in partnership with Enterprise Flex E-Rent, tested the use of electric vehicles (EVs) in construction projects, with electric vans trialled across a range of different teams and workplace scenarios. The three Costain projects included on the pilot were the Preston Western Distributor Road scheme in Lancashire, the A30 Chiverton to Carland Cross project near Truro in Cornwall, and the A12 widening scheme near Chelmsford in Essex. Electric vans were used by Costain’s health and safety, environment and laboratory teams, with the vehicles typically carrying lighter materials and equipment that weigh within electric van payload guidelines. Enterprise fitted the vehicles used for the pilot with technology to capture detailed data and provide insights on the electric vehicle usage. To meet the challenge of long-distance charging, Costain installed banks of up to 25 EV charging points at the three pilot locations to ensure that the teams have easy and safe access to power. The pilot is a key steppingstone in Costain’s Climate Change Action Plan, with Costain committing to all of its operations, including its supply chain, being net zero carbon by 2035, with zero emissions from the company car fleet by 2030. In 2022, 99% of the cars delivered to Costain staff were ultralow or low emissions vehicles (ULEVs and LEVs). EV charging points are available at all of Costain’s offices and installation of charging points within site compounds is now a mandatory element of site set-up. Mark Ashenden, head of plant and fleet supply chain at Costain, said: “Understanding and reducing the impact of vehicle emissions at our project sites will be key to us reaching our net zero targets. “We wanted to test how electric vans could be deployed as part of an effective and more environmentally friendly working fleet and how they can be a viable vehicle option for major infrastructure projects. After listening to our people’s needs and adopting a flexible approach, we have been able to meet tight budgetary requirements while supporting decarbonisation. “This trial has given our project teams a greater understanding of what commercial EVs can do and helps give them the confidence to utilise EVs where they can. By showing what can be possible, we hope to help create a blueprint for the industry to minimise carbon emissions and pave the way for a greener future for infrastructure.” Danny Glynn, managing director at Enterprise Flex-E-Rent, said: “This pilot is an important step towards understanding how EV vans can best be used in real world scenarios such as construction and infrastructure. It showcases that there are clear applications for electric vans within these and other sectors.” Elsewhere, Costain and its partners are pioneering low carbon solutions across the business’s operations. The HS2 Skanska Costain Strabag Joint Venture named its first diesel-free site at the Canterbury Road ventilation shaft in South Kilburn, through the utilisation of biofuels and renewable energy to power all plant and machinery onsite. In addition, Costain, as part of the SMP Alliance for National Highways, reduced the carbon footprint in both its construction plant and van fleet by 38% on the M6 J21a-26 upgrade project. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Integrated Water Services (IWS) M&E is delighted to announce that they successfully gained membership of the British Constructional Steelwork Association (BCSA). The BCSA offers membership to businesses that implement the design, fabrication and erection of constructional and architectural steelwork for buildings and can demonstrate that they meet the competence requirements set out in the Building Safety Act 2022. As part of the membership application, IWS M&E was required to undergo an assessment visit to cover health and safety, finance and resources. As registered members, IWS M&E will have access to a range of benefits, including promotion and marketing opportunities, training and networking events, resources and specialist information. Dean Adams, operations director at IWS M&E said: “We are thrilled to join the British Constructional Steelwork Association (BCSA). The membership is a welcome opportunity for the business to engage with the support of the BCSA and ensure we are continuously demonstrating our competence and capability in construction steelwork across the industry and to our clients.” To find out more about the BCSA, please visit: About Us | Association Objectives | Members | BCSA Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The scheme officially completed last week with the final light being installed at Edith Sykes Drive in east Leeds. Leeds City Council today announces the completion of its LED lighting scheme, an extensive project aimed at improving energy efficiency in street lighting throughout the city. Initiated in December 2018, the programme has successfully converted over 89,000 streetlights to new LED lamps, in partnership with street lighting partner Enerveo (subcontractor to Tay Valley Lighting). The completion of the LED Lighting Scheme is expected to bring significant annual savings of £3.4 million in electricity costs at current energy prices. Additionally, the conversion to LED lighting is projected to reduce street lighting energy consumption by approximately 62%, resulting in 7,050 tonnes of carbon savings, with savings already being made throughout the lamp replacement. The new LED lanterns offer increased durability and recyclability, leading to enhanced efficiency and reduced emissions from maintenance visits. Public consultation, conducted from November 2017 to January 2018, showed strong support for the upgrade, with over 80% of respondents endorsing the initiative. Councillor Helen Hayden, Executive Member for Sustainable Development and Infrastructure, attended the installation of the final LED light on Edith Sykes Drive in east Leeds this week, marking the conclusion of the project. Councillor Hayden said: “The completion of the LED Lighting Scheme represents a significant milestone in our efforts to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability in Leeds. This investment will deliver immediate cost savings and lay the groundwork for future advancements in smart technology” Tom Cunningham, Tay Valley Lighting (Leeds) Director, said: “We have been delighted to support Leeds City Council investment on the LED lantern works, the investment has provided many benefits, local employment opportunities during the period, reducing energy consumption and maintenance activities resulting in significant cost savings to Leeds City Council and carbon reduction impact from the project”. As Leeds continues its commitment to environmental stewardship and technological innovation, the completion of the LED Lighting Scheme underscores the council’s dedication to building a more sustainable future for the city and its residents. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Taconova installs 229 Heat Interface Units in new residential development A new £37m residential development in Sheffield is benefiting from sustainable and efficient heating, courtesy of Taconova’s market-leading Heat Interface Units (HIUs). The Ironworks: Redefining Urban Living Situated on Scotland Street, the Ironworks has been developed by Rise Homes and brings much-needed quality rented accommodation to Sheffield. Building work began in January 2021 on the site of the former Queens Hotel, and in September 2023, Rise Homes and Taconova were joined by the Mayor of Sheffield to open the new 12-storey Ironworks building. Inside The Ironworks This development encompasses 229 furnished apartments, comprising 144 one-bedroom, 80 two-bedroom, and 5 two-bedroom duplex units. A focus on sustainability is evident, with each unit connected to the building’s communal biomass boiler-powered heating system. The Heating System Water heated by the basement biomass boiler circulates through the building’s risers and into the Heat Interface Unit (HIU) in each of the 229 apartments. The HIUs ensure efficient and consistent heating and domestic hot water provision, maintaining optimal temperature and flow for the residents. TacoTherm H 3000E: The Core of Heating Each flat features a TacoTherm H 3000E Heat Interface Unit. This HIU is an electronically controlled, compact, and connection-ready all-in-one unit that offers indirect heat transfer for heating and domestic hot water. The 229 HIUs had to be supplied, installed, and commissioned within a three-month window. Taconova delivered 50 HIUs per week, and the contractor installed them in the utility cupboard of each apartment. The TacoTherm H 3000E has been designed specifically for multi-storey residential buildings and provides an operating pressure of 6 bar. It has an operating temperature of 90°C and generates hot water temperatures of up to 60°C. The TacoTherm H 3000E is highly efficient and has an overall Volume Weighted Average Return Temperature (VWART) figure of 26, making it a market leader – as independently tested by BESA (Building Engineering Services Association). More Than Just Hardware One of the standout benefits of opting for an electronically controlled HIU is the availability of data. The initial specification for this project was for Heat Interface Units only. However, the TacoTherm H 3000E offers much more than just hardware. The HIU has a smart meter which enables remote monitoring and analysis of heat consumption. The meter gathers information from across the network, from the plant room to the HIU. With this data, the system’s efficiency can be tracked, and improvements may be made based on the information. Likewise, if there are any inefficiencies or faults, these can be identified, pinpointed, and rectified quickly. The Ironworks management chose to also install the suggested smart heating controls and offer the controls to the residents through a smartphone or tablet app. These controls mean heating can be switched on or off remotely, potentially saving energy. Rigorous Quality Assurance Acceptance Test: Good Performance Before the project was completed, Taconova conducted testing on each HIU. This service formed part of the Taconova’s commitment to ensuring the HIUs function to the correct specification. The testing analysed the operating pressure, temperature, and hot water temperatures in each apartment and measured the overall efficiency of the heating system during a 48-hour period. The results were then measured against set parameters. After Taconova’s engineers had completed the adjustments and remedial work, the tests were conducted again. Improvements were evident and the scheme was performing according to the set design parameters and achieved overall network compliance. On-going Monitoring for Sustainable Living As part of its commitment to customer service and sustainability, Taconova will continue to monitor and improve the heating system for the lifetime of the scheme. It is well documented that the efficiency of a newly built property drops substantially after the first 12-month operation, so it’s important to monitor the efficiency of the whole heating system beyond the initial year. The ongoing monitoring provides complete oversight of the whole system, not just the HIUs. Therefore, it is possible to recommend improvements to ensure that the network remains at the optimum efficiency level. For example, adjusting the plant room temperature during the summer and winter can optimise the system and improve efficiency. As well as providing constant monitoring and improvement suggestions, Taconova will also support Ironworks with annual servicing of the HIUs, as part of the service level agreement. A Greener Future Exciting plans for the future reveal that things could get even greener if the Ironworks development can join the Sheffield City District Heating Network. This district heating network is one of the largest city heat networks in the UK and currently supplies 2,800 homes and 140 commercial buildings, saving 21,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. The focal point of the network is the city’s incinerator which burns 120,000 tonnes of municipal waste each year, producing up to 60MW of thermal energy. With an expansion and improvement to the network, it is hoped that the Ironworks will be able to benefit from the waste heat generated from Sheffield’s incinerator. Joining the network will mean the Ironworks can replace the biomass boiler and utilise waste heat from the network, further enhancing the building’s green credentials. The indirect TacoTherm H 3000E HIU is future-ready and will seamlessly transition to the heat network and deliver efficient heating to the residents in the building. Thanks to the HIU’s pre-fitted heat meter, the residents’ heat consumption will be calculated based on what they use. Switching to the heat network will mean a lower heating tariff compared to the biomass boiler, so residents’ energy bills will also be lower. Innovative heating solutions like Taconova’s indirect TacoTherm H 3000E HIUs are part of the company’s mission to offer reliable, low-maintenance, and highly efficient heating solutions that save customers time, effort, and money. To find out more, please visit: www.taconova.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
