Polymer pipework manufacturer REHAU has unveiled Clip-Flex, a next-generation district heating shroud designed to offer unrivalled flexibility to installers and contractors. The shroud was officially unveiled at REHAU’s recent district heating workshop in central London, where delegates were able to gain a hands-on look at the new technology. Steve Richmond,
Polymer supplier REHAU is celebrating after hitting a landmark milestone in its Building Solutions division by selling its billionth Everloc™ compression sleeve worldwide. The timeless solution has been on the market for over 35 years for use with REHAU PE-Xa pipes, representing a major upgrade in connection technology since its
Ten years since the start of UK production of REHAU’s RAUVITHERM pipe, the business is celebrating the market’s only UK-manufactured pre-insulated PE-Xa pipe to feed a growth in demand across renewable heat projects. Ever since its launch, RAUVITHERM has proven popular due to its combination of flexibility and low heat
With energy efficiency ranking as a key consideration for homeowners, REHAU is advising the fenestration industry to emphasise the thermal properties of their portfolios to meet these shifting consumer priorities. The recommendation follows a recently published survey from the Home Builders Federation (HBF), in which almost three quarters of 2,000
Building specifiers and contractors are advised to put healthy design principles first when adapting existing structures according to REHAU, following cautions from the Climate Change Committee (CCC) about overheating buildings. The CCC’s latest analysis of the Government’s heat and Building Strategy has noted that current overheating policy is only applicable
With the impending Boiler Upgrade Scheme set to accelerate the UK heat pump rollout, local manufacturing and support will be key to addressing demand for remote installations, says a sector expert. Set to launch this April, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy’s (BEIS) flagship Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
The Government must increase the scope of green subsidy schemes for UK homes to successfully transition from gas-based heating and address skyrocketing energy costs, according to polymer pipework specialist REHAU. REHAU’s comments follow recent criticism from the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) select committee that the Government’s plans to
In an effort to offer greater flexibility to contractors in the supply and installation of district heating networks, polymer pipework specialist REHAU is launching a new range of modular tee fittings. With government figures projecting heat demand to rise by 11% between now and 2050, both expanding and decarbonising the
With an estimated 65,000 burglaries reported between July and September 2021[2], a windows expert is imploring installers and fabricators to re-evaluate the security credentials of their frames and hardware and seek further assurances from regulatory bodies. According to ONS[3], one in five burglars will enter a property via a window.
A prominent polymer system supplier is advocating the specification of more sustainable heating and cooling solutions in educational buildings following the publication of analysis suggesting most UK universities are not on track to hit emissions targets. The recent release of People and Planet’s annual University League asking ‘how sustainable is
Polymer pipework manufacturer REHAU has unveiled Clip-Flex, a next-generation district heating shroud designed to offer unrivalled flexibility to installers and contractors. The shroud was officially unveiled at REHAU’s recent district heating workshop in central London, where delegates were able to gain a hands-on look at the new technology. Steve Richmond, Head of Marketing & Technical at REHAU Building Solutions, was also at hand to breakdown the benefits of the shroud in his talk on innovation in district heating shrouds & industry training. With up to 22.5° range of motion in all directions, the shroud allows pipework to be angled as per the demands of the project, allowing contractors far greater flexibility on site. Steve said: “Shrouds are a key part of any district heating network, influencing installation time and ease. Your pre-insulated pipe and joints are only as good as the shrouds that cover them, so it was important for us to create a solution that gave the highest level of both flexibility and reliability.” “We have spoken to countless designers and contractors in the development of Clip-Flex, and have taken their priorities into consideration. Through ongoing collaboration with industry professionals working in the field of district heating, we have been able to create a shroud that facilitates easier installation, optimises heat network performance, and also has the potential to deliver cost savings in materials.” The shroud’s larger diameter makes it compatible with all REHAU PE-Xa district heating pipes from 25mm to 160mm, meaning it now covers all RAUVITHERM and RAUTHERMEX sizes. Clip-Flex also features up to 20% more interior space, allowing a much wider range of tees to be used, including REHAU’s own FUSAPEX and modular tees. Using FUSAPEX can offer cost savings and improved lead times by using standard shrouds and fittings instead of custom pre-insulated tees, significantly reducing the total number of shrouds needed on a project. Steve concluded: “We view the development of Clip-Flex as a true landmark moment for polymer district heating pipework. The innovative shroud has the potential to revolutionise the way polymer district heating pipes can be installed, so we look forward to bringing it to UK market.” For more information on Clip-Flex, CLICK HERE.
Polymer supplier REHAU is celebrating after hitting a landmark milestone in its Building Solutions division by selling its billionth Everloc™ compression sleeve worldwide. The timeless solution has been on the market for over 35 years for use with REHAU PE-Xa pipes, representing a major upgrade in connection technology since its introduction in 1987. It has since been used in over 60 countries globally, with the system being known for its reliability, fast installation and overall durability across multiple REHAU product ranges. “We first introduced the compression sleeve jointing technology at a trade fair in the 80s,” explains Colin Pearson, Sales & Marketing Director for REHAU Building Solutions UK. “While it was seen as a gamechanger then, it continues to be a highly effective solution for contractors to this day. Whether used for heating and plumbing, underfloor heating systems or district heat networks, its robust and watertight configuration has allowed the system to remain highly effective across multiple vital applications.” The Everloc™ connection technology uses the compression sleeve to create a permanently tight connection between the pipe and the fitting, with no O-rings or other sealants, producing an independently certified cavity-free joint. As the pipe itself is the sealant, the installation is immediately ready for pressure testing and a simple visual inspection is sufficient to know if the connection meets professional standards. “Robust, reliable and swift installations remain huge priorities for contractors worldwide,” concludes Colin. “The enduring popularity of the compression sleeve, especially in areas such as ensuring drinking water quality, is therefore very understandable. “Yet even given its trailblazing design and effectiveness, it’s still heartening to know that the technology remains a go-to solution globally and has passed this landmark. Fittings are a key element in drinking water and heating installations, among others. The function of the compression sleeve is largely responsible for its quality, and we will continue to improve the system to ensure its reliability for the next 35 years.” To find out more about REHAU’s compression sleeve and its applications, click here for plumbing and here for district heating. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Ten years since the start of UK production of REHAU’s RAUVITHERM pipe, the business is celebrating the market’s only UK-manufactured pre-insulated PE-Xa pipe to feed a growth in demand across renewable heat projects. Ever since its launch, RAUVITHERM has proven popular due to its combination of flexibility and low heat losses – both particularly well-suited to district heating, biomass, biogas and heat pump applications. The pipe is manufactured in REHAU’s Plant in Blaenau Ffestiniog, North Wales, predominantly for the UK market since 2012. Employees from the UK head office and local politicians recently visited the factory to celebrate the 10 years of producing it in the UK, as well as discussing its vast potential in the future of renewable heat. Over the years, RAUVITHERM has been installed on a huge range of high-profile projects such as football club training grounds, National Trust and Grade 1 listed country manors, farm-based anaerobic digestion systems, schools, zoos and district heating networks for luxury lodge developments. More recently REHAU has seen growth in the number of individual houses which have used RAUVITHERM to connect air source heat pumps that are located away from the property. According to REHAU, this could be for a variety of reasons – heat pumps need good air flow to work effectively, and noise can also be an issue in some cases, so situating them on the side of the property is not always feasible. Steve Richmond, Head of Marketing and Technical at REHAU Building Solutions says: “We always knew RAUVITHERM was a great product with great potential, and it has gone from strength to strength over the years. “It was great to get together with colleagues to recently celebrate this while saying thank you for the factory’s support over this period. For example, we know the availability of pre-insulated pipe will be key to covering all bases in the Government’s heat pump rollout and enabling the wider success of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.” RAUVITHERM was initially launched in Germany in 2010, with REHAU then making the decision to invest in UK manufacturing in 2011, ahead of opening its first UK-based production line in 2012. The company held an event with customers, local politicians, government officials and key industry stakeholders in 2012 to celebrate the launch. Steve adds: “Having a locally manufactured pre-insulated pipe gives both us and our customers an estimated 29% reduction in CO2 versus importing from Germany. This is still the only UK-made pre-insulated PE-Xa pipe and helped us become the market leader for polymer district heating pipe in the UK. “Maintaining a resilient supply chain is critical to any business, so having local production where we prioritise certain pipe sizes during busy periods has really helped us grow as a company.” For more information on RAUVITHERM, click here.
With energy efficiency ranking as a key consideration for homeowners, REHAU is advising the fenestration industry to emphasise the thermal properties of their portfolios to meet these shifting consumer priorities. The recommendation follows a recently published survey from the Home Builders Federation (HBF), in which almost three quarters of 2,000 respondents (73%) said they were concerned about the energy efficiency of their current home. In the wake of these findings, REHAU is advocating installers and fabricators review the thermal performance of their frames, especially with upcoming changes to Approved Document L of the Building Regulations. “Energy efficiency has never been too far from consumers’ minds, and this latest survey from the HBF reaffirms this,” says Russell Hand, Head of Product and Technical for REHAU Windows. “With Part L guidelines also being tightened as part of the Future Homes Standard and wider efforts to reduce green house gas emissions, windows professionals should look into the U-Value of their current solutions to stay ahead of legislation and trends. “This latest change is likely the first of many for new and existing homes, so by taking action and futureproofing now, businesses will be well-placed to stand out in an increasingly eco-conscious market. One key way of doing this is to look for systems suitable for Passivhaus standard, which is currently the most energy-efficient specification for European and UK buildings.” According to sustainable construction experts GreenSpec, windows can represent up to 10% of total heat lost in homes. Taking this stat into account alongside steep energy prices rises expected in April, Russell is highlighting the importance of emphasising the impact energy-efficient windows can have on monthly bills. “The country is bracing itself for heating costs to soar from April, which means that as vital as consumers sees the issue of energy efficiency now, it is only going to grow in prominence,” Russell concludes. “Being able to mitigate these costs in any way will be at the forefronts of homeowners’ minds, so installers and fabricators need to stress the thermal performance strengths of their frames. “By stocking systems that can help do this, including REHAU’s TOTAL70C, which can achieve U-Values better than that required by the new Part L, tradespeople can help answer the market’s pressing needs. This combination of right choice and right emphasis will undoubtedly help fenestration businesses at this highly disrupted time, and into the future.” For more information on REHAU’s TOTAL70 windows system, click here.
Building specifiers and contractors are advised to put healthy design principles first when adapting existing structures according to REHAU, following cautions from the Climate Change Committee (CCC) about overheating buildings. The CCC’s latest analysis of the Government’s heat and Building Strategy has noted that current overheating policy is only applicable to new buildings, and does not take existing structures into account. With this in mind, polymer supplier REHAU is highlighting concerns around sustainability and occupant wellbeing currently affecting the construction industry. This warning follows findings demonstrated in the company’s ‘Designing Healthy’ series of guides, in which 500 respondents in M&E and architectural roles, are surveyed on pressing issues. In ‘Designing Healthy Apartments,’ for example, 97% of respondents said leaving high-quality buildings for future generations was a medium-to-high priority, yet 44% believed well-being is ‘value-engineered’ out of building design during a project. Steve Richmond, Head of Marketing and Technical for REHAU Building Solutions comments: “The CCC’s latest analysis puts a concern in the spotlight that we’ve been highlighting for years – overheating in our existing building stock. As climate change continues, we suggest this issue needs to be addressed in comprehensive fashion. “One key way of doing this is to adopt healthy design practices. For example, making improvements to current structures to become more energy efficient may not be enough, as this in turn raises the chances of excessive indoor temperatures during warmer months. Instead, good planning, design and construction from the offset is essential to avoid this, yet as our own surveys suggest, these priorities are often overlooked in favour of cost as a project progresses.” Providing buildings that are warm in winter yet avoid overheating issues that can lead to health hazards in the summer is a key issue highlighted in REHAU’s Design Healthy series. Long-lasting M&E solutions are identified as a possible solution to this, with almost 70% of survey respondents in the company’s ‘Designing Healthy Schools and Universities’ report saying that the lifespan of the components needs to increase. Steve concludes: “The issues raised in the CCC’s latest analysis echo what we have seen when we have taken soundings across the industry. Though we are huge advocates of improving the energy efficiency of the nation’s existing building stock, this must be done in a considerate way that avoids overheating. M&E solutions must sit at industry’s response to this pressing and ever-growing concern.” To find out more about REHAU’s ‘Designing Healthy’ series, visit: www.rehau.uk/designinghealthy
With the impending Boiler Upgrade Scheme set to accelerate the UK heat pump rollout, local manufacturing and support will be key to addressing demand for remote installations, says a sector expert. Set to launch this April, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy’s (BEIS) flagship Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) will offer homeowners grants of £5,000-£6,000 to facilitate the installation of air and ground source heat pumps. This development aligns with the Prime Minister’s earlier target of achieving 600,000 heat pump installations per year by 2028, and will drive uptake of this technology in order to achieve this goal. However, Steve Richmond, Head of Marketing and Technical at REHAU Building Solutions, warns that immediate availability of manufactured parts will be required to meet these ambitious objectives. “At present, around 30,000 heat pumps are installed per year in the UK,” said Steve. “In order to increase this by a factor of twenty before the end of the decade, the Government’s push for installations is going to need to be backed by a comprehensive supply chain. “This necessitates opting for locally manufactured parts where possible in order to cut down lead times and meet the anticipated boom in demand. This extends to accessories as well as heat pumps themselves. REHAU’s RAUVITHERM pre-insulated pipe, for example, has been manufactured in Blaenau Ffestiniog, Wales, since 2012, making it the only pre-insulated PE-Xa pipe to be made in the UK.” As some heat pump installations take place away from the property itself, the availability of pre-insulated pipe will be key to covering all bases in the Government’s heat pump rollout, and enabling the wider success of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. However, Steve highlights that as each heat pump installation is unique, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to the uptake of this technology. “It’s important to recognise that air source heat pumps are not able to be installed directly next to every property,” he explains. “This can be for a variety of reasons – heat pumps need good air flow to work effectively, and noise can also be an issue in some cases, so situating them on the side of the property is not always feasible. “For this reason, some installations require the heat pump to be located at the end of the garden or similar. However, this must be coupled with effective pre-insulated pipe between the heat pump and the home to ensure that there are minimal thermal losses. Polymer solutions such as RAUVITHERM can address this particular concern.” Steve concludes: “In an effort to further streamline the process of sourcing materials for remote heat pump installations, we’ve launched a dedicated landing page for installers to receive a quick quote. This tool, combined with UK manufactured parts, will be vital to ensuring an all-encompassing approach for achieving a prompt and effective transition to low-carbon heating.” For more information on RAUVITHERM and to receive a quote, visit: www.rehau.uk/heatpumps
The Government must increase the scope of green subsidy schemes for UK homes to successfully transition from gas-based heating and address skyrocketing energy costs, according to polymer pipework specialist REHAU. REHAU’s comments follow recent criticism from the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) select committee that the Government’s plans to end the country’s reliance of gas were inadequate and lacked clear direction. With domestic heating constituting 17% of the UK’s carbon emissions and gas currently warming 86% of homes, the company is highlighting the need for effective, innovative technologies that can make an instant impact. “The issue of how we are going to decarbonise heating for new and existing residential building stock is not a new one,” explains Steve Richmond, Head of Marketing and Technical at REHAU Building Solutions. “Yet as the recent comments from the BEIS select committee demonstrates, there is currently an unacceptable gap between good thought and good practice. Though the Government’s Heating and Buildings Strategy lays out welcome steps, including the £450m Boiler Upgrade Scheme, this pot is too small to make a meaningful difference. “The adoption of heat pumps and district heating systems at scale is a clear and obvious solution that can be adopted in the here-and-now. But in order for these technologies to be as impactful as possible, the Government needs to expand the rollout of low-carbon and waste heat networks. Only by doing so can we fulfil the enormous potential of these transformative technologies in the UK.” Beyond expanding the scope of existing schemes, Steve is advocating for a review of energy subsidies on electricity bills, which would make heat pumps more attractive to end users currently on mains gas. Since the closure of the non-domestic Renewable Heat Incentive scheme, there are also very limited funding options for private commercial buildings to transition from fossil fuels to these more sustainable options. “As highlighted by the various trade associations, while the need for action is clear absolutist moves such as shifting policy costs onto gas bills could create further price spikes that could badly affect UK households,” Steve concludes. “As such, policy needs to be carefully enacted to level the playing field between gas and other solutions and ensure this necessary transition is as cost-effective as possible. “While a nuanced approach is clearly required in the medium-to-long term, the end goal is clear – a national energy mix that is sustainable and not hostage to spiralling fuel costs. District heating and heat pump technologies offer the best way forward in this regard.” For more information on REHAU’s low carbon district heating solutions, visit: www.rehau.co.uk/districtheating
In an effort to offer greater flexibility to contractors in the supply and installation of district heating networks, polymer pipework specialist REHAU is launching a new range of modular tee fittings. With government figures projecting heat demand to rise by 11% between now and 2050, both expanding and decarbonising the UK’s existing infrastructure will be necessary to meet future needs and net zero goals. In order to address these challenges effectively, the Government has targeted a growth in district heating from 2% to 17% of the UK’s total supply, highlighting the role that this technology will play in future. In support of this, REHAU has developed a new range of soft-soldered brass fittings to help simplify the ordering process for contractors undertaking new district heating projects. Available in any configuration of pre-fabricated 25mm-110mm outlets, over 600 modular tee combinations have been set up in advance, with larger sizes up to 160mm also available in the future. Each modular fitting is pre-assembled in the factory, then individually pressure tested, meaning there is no need for any modular tee assembly on site. Steve Richmond, Head of Marketing and Technical at REHAU, said: “The Government’s recent Heat and Buildings Strategy has detailed a number of upcoming decarbonisation measures, such as the Heat Network Transformation Strategy between 2022 and 2025. This initiative will provide ample scope for uptake of district heating networks, which we have long viewed as a key technology in achieving a low-carbon UK. “For this reason, we’ll be launching our new range of modular tees in 2022, in an effort to offer greater flexibility to the contractor when sourcing components for district heating networks. By integrating measures such as these, we can help streamline the rollout of low-carbon heating and effectively meet the net zero targets set out in legislation.” In an effort to facilitate faster installation of new networks, REHAU’s modular fittings make use of the company’s trademark EVERLOC compression sleeve technology jointing system, used over 850,000,000 times globally. Unlike other alternative pipe fittings, this technology has been developed without need for an O-ring – a mechanical gasket used to form a watertight seal between the pipe and the fitting. The EVERLOC system allows for simple visual inspection on site, meaning contractors can be assured of the reliability of the joint before it is insulated and backfilled. REHAU’s modular fittings are compatible with the company’s market-leading RAUVITHERM and RAUTHERMEX PE-Xa pre-insulated pipes, which are available cut-to-length from the largest UK stock of district heating pipe. Steve concluded: “Ensuring straightforward rollout of district heating networks will be key to reducing the UK’s carbon emissions by 78% by 2035. With the support of REHAU’s modular fittings, we can ensure that new installations remain streamlined in order to assist our journey to net zero.” For more information on REHAU’s modular fittings, visit: www.rehau.uk/districtheating
With an estimated 65,000 burglaries reported between July and September 2021[2], a windows expert is imploring installers and fabricators to re-evaluate the security credentials of their frames and hardware and seek further assurances from regulatory bodies. According to ONS[3], one in five burglars will enter a property via a window. Paired with findings from a recent survey which found that over a third of Brits feel a greater need to protect the security of their homes, compared to before the pandemic[4], quality windows will be a key safeguard against burglars. Windows in English dwellings must currently comply with Approved Document Q (ADQ) of the Building Regulations concerning security, for example by meeting the PAS24:2016 security standard. However, an added layer of credibility can be provided through meeting requirements set out by Secured by Design (SBD). The official police security initiative, SBD works with manufacturers and standards authorities to ensure security standards are current and updated in line with emerging crime trends. With burglary statistics anticipated to rise as people spend more time outside their homes Mark Gajda, Head of Technical Services at REHAU, is appealing to fenestration professionals to consider these higher-level security standards when specifying frames. “Security is a key concern for many building occupants because we all want to feel safe in the space we live,” he explains. “Burglaries are likely to rise post-pandemic, so window professionals must go above and beyond to provide solutions that meet this need. With this in mind, we’ve extended our support for tradespeople by joining the SBD initiative, providing installers, fabricators and building applicants alike with further peace-of-mind on the performance of frames.” To gain approval against SBD requirements, products must have passed enhanced security testing to PAS 24:2016. This is completed at a UKAS test centre and requires subsequent submission of relevant reports, which sets SBD aside from ADQ. Mark continued: “REHAU has always put strong emphasis on ensuring our products are tested against all fenestration industry requirements to give building users peace of mind. With the addition of the SBD logo, project and building managers have an extra layer of quality assurance.” “Because homeowners and building occupants may be concerned about burglaries, they deserve the reassurance that the elements making up their home offer adequate levels of security. This is why it’s vital for windows suppliers such as REHAU to keep an eye on how they can exceed the minimum standards of security.” Secured by Design Development Office Hazel Goss said: “It has been a pleasure to sign contracts with REHAU Ltd as a new member based in Herefordshire. They offer a fantastic collection of windows and doors on various ranges. I am looking forward to many years working alongside them.” For more information, please visit: https://www.rehau.com/uk-en/approvals [2] https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/bills/article-10296171/How-home-secure-burglaries-forecast-rise.html [3] https://www.nimblefins.co.uk/home-insurance/burglary-statistics [4] https://news.samsung.com/uk/over-two-thirds-of-brits-have-no-home-security-measures-in-place-with-half-turning-to-tech-solutions-for-added-peace-of-mind
A prominent polymer system supplier is advocating the specification of more sustainable heating and cooling solutions in educational buildings following the publication of analysis suggesting most UK universities are not on track to hit emissions targets. The recent release of People and Planet’s annual University League asking ‘how sustainable is your university?’ found that despite 46% of higher education institutes making good progress in this area, the majority were still behind. Specifically, the analysis found that over half of the 154 institutions surveyed had failed to match criteria set out for 2020-21 by the Higher Education Funding Council for England in 2010. With these findings in mind, polymer supplier REHAU is highlighting the importance of building design in improving the sustainability of universities. The appeal follows the publication of the company’s recent report ‘Designing Healthy Schools and Universities,’ which surveyed 125 architects and specifiers specialising in educational structures on futureproofing facilities through high-performing building services. “People and Planet’s latest University League re-affirms a long-standing trend in the development of university facilities that must be addressed,” says Steve Richmond, Head of Marketing and Technical for REHAU Building Solutions. “Namely, that current building stock is behind both in terms of sustainability targets, and as far as industry attitudes are concerned. “This can be seen in research carried out in our latest report of REHAU’s Designing Healthy series, which looked at this sector. Our findings showed that 67% of architects and contractors we surveyed saw leaving high-quality buildings behind was a high priority in their work, with sustainability also ranking highly as a design priority. Contrasted against these clearly stated views, this new analysis makes for sobering reading.” The report goes on to highlight Office for Students figures showing that UK’s higher education student population is expected to grow by 12.3% between 2020-21 and 2024-25, and the ensuing need for additional campus buildings. This is contrasted against National Audit Office estimates that 60% of current educational building stock was constructed before 1976. Taking these figures into account, REHAU is advocating that contractors and specifiers working on university facilities ensure building services are chosen with healthy design principles in mind. Examples of implementable technologies raised in the report include Thermally Activated Building Structures (TABS), which are increasingly being adopted into new university structures and pair well with heat pump technology to provide sustainable heating and cooling. By selecting these sorts of solutions for upcoming projects, campuses can lower emissions while also improving student and staff well-being. Steve concludes: “The environment is a huge issue for students today, and will continue to rise in prominence as the effects of climate change become more apparent. Alongside this, rising tuition fees mean those attending university have become extremely aware of their status as consumers, and expect eco-conscious, healthy design to match their own priorities. “However, as our report and the latest analysis suggests, more needs to be done in this field. We would therefore implore contractors, specifiers and stakeholders in higher education to look at other options available, including campus-wide district heating systems, and examine available funding options such as the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.” To download Designing Healthy Schools and Universities, click here.
