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A Warmafloor underfloor heating and cooling system combined with ground source heat pumps is contributing to a 30% to 40% reduction in energy consumption and CO2 emissions at Gloucestershire Constabulary’s new £18 million headquarters building. The sustainable solution played a key role in the PFI project receiving the ‘Excellent’ rating in the BREEAM assessment process, which looks at a broad range of environmental impacts across various building types.

The Warmafloor Tacker underfloor heating and cooling system, drawing energy from nine 90kW Water Furnace geothermal heat pumps, was specified by multi-disciplinary property and construction consultancy McBains Cooper. The company provided a complete consultancy package for the project, including architecture, mechanical and electrical services and cost management. Malcolm Hardacre, Associate Director of McBains Cooper comments, “The building is one of the first PFI projects to utilise this type of combined renewable energy solution rather than a conventional air conditioning system. It’s proved very successful and the building was recently awarded the 2006 Environmental Initiative of the Year by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers for its environmental friendliness and cost-efficiency.”

The combination of a Warmafloor Tacker System with geothermal heat pumps is making a major contribution to the building’s green rating. Whilst in heating mode during the winter months the heat pumps deliver a 50 / 40oC flow/return temperature to the underfloor heating circuits. During warm weather the pumps can achieve a flow/return temperature of 7 / 12oC to the same manifold serving the underfloor circuits to provide effective cooling. The system’s intelligent controls allow temperatures to be adjusted between these lower and upper limits to suit requirements for controlling condensation and comfort in the building.

Heating and cooling energy is drawn from 150 bore holes each drilled to a depth of 98m under the car park. Inside the building, the Warmafloor Tacker System is a high duty 65mm deep screed system with a thermal conductivity of 0.034W/mK and a compression strength of >110 kPa. The 18mm diameter polybutylene water pipe circuits were ‘tacked’ to laminated insulation panels and pressure tested before the screed was laid. At Gloucestershire Constabulary HQ the floor covering is Terrazzo.

In addition to the cost and energy saving benefits, an underfloor system frees up space and enables greater interior design flexibility as there is no need to allocate wall space to radiators or other heating appliances. Furthermore, unlike radiators, which transfer heat by convection, underfloor heating systems use radiant heat so there are no draughts or cold spots. No convection currents also mean the heating system is not constantly circulating airborne germs and dust. This contributes to a healthier environment and health and well-being is one of the key considerations in the BREEAM assessment process.

Warmafloor is one of the UK's leaders in underfloor heating and cooling solutions with over 20 years experience in projects from the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly to the British Museum, and from residential homes to the largest industrial buildings and schools. The company has worked in partnership with other suppliers to develop a wing of its own HQ building as the Sustainable Energy Centre to showcase expertise in integrating sustainable technologies which reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions by extraordinary amounts even in 'ordinary' buildings. Visit www.SustainableEnergyCentre.co.uk for an introduction to these solutions, or call 01489 581787 to arrange a visit to the Sustainable Energy Centre in Fareham, Hampshire.

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Hard landscaping specialist, Charcon has supplied over 400 square metres of its environmentally friendly EcoPave Flag Paving to Wimpey Homes for installation at its new Dunston Staiths development in Gateshead

Committed to building homes that are safe, attractive and sustainable, Wimpey Homes was adamant that the development was environmentally friendly, as landscape architect on the project, Gerry Kemp from GlenKemp Architects explains: “The environmental aspect of the build was integral to the design and construction of the site. Every material was carefully chosen to maintain the look, feel and standard of the development.”

Having previously worked with Charcon on a number of projects, Gerry knew it could supply a range of eco-friendly hard landscaping products. “I knew Charcon had a wide range of environmentally friendly paving, blocks and kerbs that would suit the development perfectly and meet its objectives for aesthetics, cost and availability.”

Developed to optimise the manufacturing processes while minimising the usage of raw materials, Charcon’s Eco range has been specifically created to produce a range of hard landscaping with excellent green credentials.

Alan Hodgson, Charcon’s territory sales manager, said: “Containing over 76 per cent of recycled materials, EcoPave Flag Paving has been developed to meet the growing need for sustainable hard landscaping. Having seen the development and Wimpey Homes’ plans, EcoPave in Black Fleck was ideal for the project.”

Gerry concludes: “The flag paving looks great. The exposed aggregate within the paver gives a subtle sparkle and weathered natural appearance at a cost effective price.”

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Mira Showers will be exhibiting for the first time in its own right at the KBB Show, which takes place from 2 to 5 March, 2008 at the NEC, Birmingham. The main highlights of the stand will be products from the recently launched Autumn Collection, including the range of miniature-sized Mini mixers, the design-led Orbis electric shower, available in white and revolutionary black, and the environmentally friendly ECO handset.

Mira’s new Mini mixers are half the size of conventional mixing valves, yet deliver the same great performance you would expect from a Mira product. The Mini range, which follows the global trend towards miniaturisation of high technology items, will be available in built-in and exposed single sequential control valves (Minilite), built-in and exposed concentric control valves (Miniduo), and a new format of exposed vertical dual control valves (Minibelle and Miniluxe). To cater for retrofit installations of a standard sized valve, an adjustable elbow pack is available, allowing the Minilite and Miniduo inlet centres to be adjusted from 133 to 153mm. This ensures the valves can retrofit all current Mira products as well as many other shower brands, without the need to move or adjust inlet pipe work.

Minilite, Miniduo and Minibelle are complemented with Mira fitting kits and the stylish Miniluxe shower is provided with a new deluge head and rigid riser. The Mini range offers the consumer added style options at a competitive price, and gives both installers and retailers even more opportunities to recommend a Mira branded product.

The stylish Orbis, available in white and a stunning new black finish, is set to steal a share of the design-led, upper-mid market electric shower sector. Orbis offers thermostatic control with LCD technology – a first for Mira. Positioned at a similar price point to the Mira Escape, the Orbis provides a link between the traditional ‘white box’ on the wall and the stylish, design-led Azora and Galena products. As well as displaying temperature, Orbis also features a clock, a first in the shower market for electric showers.

Orbis is available in 9.0kW, 9.8kW and 10.8kW models, each with three power options. The slimline case features soft curves and a simple circular-shaped, push button power selector. Thermostatically controlled with safe maximum temperature limit for added user protection, this high performance product is suitable for new and replacement projects and will retrofit current Mira Sport showers and some competitor products.

A specially dedicated and designed ECO Area will be included, illustrating the high level of commitment Mira gives to developing products that are sympathetic to the environment. The display, which will have particular appeal to customers interested in ‘green’ issues, will feature the new ECO handset. To be sold alone, Eco is suitable for use on mixer and power showers (not suitable for electric models). Designed to reduce the amount of water normally used by up to a massive 75%*, which in turn will offer users huge savings in energy to heat the water.

The adjustable Eco handset offers three aerating spray modes that reduce water consumption while still giving a great performance. The ‘ecofficient™’ technology uses a Venturi principle – introducing air without a pump. Mixing air with the water spray creates larger droplets filled with air bubbles. The droplets explode on impact and produce similar coverage to conventional, finer sprays giving the impression of increased volume of water and a refreshing shower.

Mira is anticipating a huge demand for the handset from both the private sector as well as hotel groups and house builders where there is a growing responsibility for improving the energy use within a household. Available in white and chrome, the Eco handset is competitively priced. A BIR version is also available, and new packaging has been developed that is also environmentally friendly.

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Charcon Hard Landscaping has provided a Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) solution to overcome planning restrictions on the construction of a domestic hard standing driveway for a Tyne and Wear homeowner. Although normally viewed as a commercial solution, the use of SuDS is increasingly outlined as a condition of planning consent in large scale housing developments, offices, industrial units, and particularly local authority commissions.

Ron Clark, who lives in a pre-war home within a Conservation area in West Boldon, needed a design solution for a proposed driveway that would ensure the protection of the 50 mature trees surrounding the site.

The preferred design had to incorporate tree friendly construction techniques to minimise impact on the trees. It was also essential that underground water percolation patterns were not affected and the flow of water to the roots of the mature trees was restricted. Also, due to the incline of the proposed driveway, it was crucial that rainfall would not run off towards the public highway.

After researching modern methods of driveway solutions, Mr Clark contacted Charcon to ask if it could offer a solution for the driveway that would allow rainwater to infiltrate through the block paving, instead of running off the slope. Charcon proposed using its Infilta permeable block pavers that allow gaseous exchange and water penetration to tree root systems. A synthetic geogrid was laid to create a reinforced platform to spread the load of a vehicle on the drive over a large area and prevent restriction of water flow.

Layers of woven Charcon geotextile and crushed stone were laid down to cover the sub base area. Granite chippings were compacted on top and finally, Charcon Permeable Pavers were laid and granite chippings brushed into the cavities created by the nibs on the blocks. One of the benefits of Charcon’s approach is that its SuDS systems can be adapted for all types and sizes of project.

Phil Tomlinson from Charcon comments: “The use of permeable concrete block paving, together with the chosen geogrid and geotextile layers, allowed the planning condition objectives to be achieved by eliminating surface water runoff to the public highway and maintaining water flows to the roots of the mature trees on the homeowner’s land.”

Urbanisation of the landscape using large areas of hard impermeable surfaces and conventional piped drainage can result in increased local flooding. Government legislation and planning guidance recognises the use of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) as one of the most effective ways to reduce pollution and flooding risk, and minimise the impact on the environment.

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As a manufacturer of plastic building products, Hambleside Danelaw is studying the resource efficiency of their glass reinforced plastic (GRP) rooflights through the BRE’s BeAware research project.

The Group is dedicated to continually improving its performance with regard to resource efficiency and the project has greatly assisted with this aim.

The two main improvements being developed are the end of life issues for GRP and the incorporation of GRP waste back into new products.

GRP is currently not recycled in the UK even though the technology exists. Hambleside Danelaw is the first company in the UK to purchase recycling equipment for GRP to use on a commercial scale.

With help from NetComposites, a source of end-of-life GRP has been collected and processed by Hambleside using the new equipment. The University of Loughborough is now conducting waste characterisation studies on the recyclate to determine the best end uses for the material.

Commenting on the project, Robin Jeffery, Hambleside Danelaw’s vice chairman, said: “Hambleside’s commitment to sustainability through the careful design and selection of raw materials for its products to ensure an extended service life, coupled with the recycling of production waste, results in the continued reusability of the original fossil based material. This commitment has been achieved after a detailed review of production methodology, technological advancement of its products including extending the service life expectancy of its product range, to seek to ensure that they had a long life cycle, reducing the need for product replacement.”

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Kubota has issued a timely reminder to potential purchasers of its used mini excavators fitted with their unique key-based 'ANTI-THEFT' system to ensure that they obtain both the operational keys and the master key.

The 'ANTI-THEFT' system has been supplied as standard equipment on all new Kubota 1.5 to 8 tonne models since Autumn 2005, with some of these machines now possibly entering the used market.

The individually programmed Black Operational Key has a unique identification code embedded in an IC chip that incorporates a state-of-the-art immobiliser system. This replaces the traditional universal starter key.

An additional Red Master Key gives owners the opportunity of changing the operational key's identification code by re-programming new unique Black Operational Keys via the machine' digital dashboard panel.

Said Richard Harrison, Kubota UK Sales & Marketing Manager: “With some of our machines fitted with the 'ANTI-THEFT' system now possibly entering the used arena, it's vital that when purchased they are supplied complete with all black keys, as well as the red master key which enables owners to alter the machine's unique identification code.”

“If the Red Master Key is missing a replacement can only be obtained direct from Kubota (UK) Ltd – Construction Equipment Division, through one of our authorised dealers, and this has significant cost implications. In order to avoid any inconvenience and the extra cost involved, buyers of used models fitted with the 'ANTI-THEFT' security system should therefore always ensure that all the black and red keys are supplied with the machine.”

The Kubota 'ANTI-THEFT' security system, which was the first and is still the only one of its kind fitted as standard equipment by a mini excavator manufacturer, has been enthusiastically received by plant hire companies & end-users alike, and has already proved its worth by foiling attempts to steal Kubota machines.

The operational key starts and stops the engine and also opens the machine's cab door, fuel filler cap and engine canopy. Without it, the fuel, hydraulic and electric systems are fully immobilised and any attempt to start the machines with an un-programmed key activates the system's alarm.

Owners of used Kubota models can also have their machines retro-fitted with satellite tracking systems through the national network of specialist appointed Kubota dealers.

As the European and world market leader with the largest range of mini excavators from a single manufacturer, comprising 18 base models and spanning the weight categories from 0.85 to 8 tonnes, Kubota also offers the widest choice of highly versatile zero tail swing machines.

Kubota minis have a legendary reputation for quality, performance, reliability, versatility and excellent residual values, coupled with first-class dealer support, making them the ideal tools for many different applications and end-users, from civil engineering to landscaping and plant hirers to owner operators.

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At the heart of the newly developed changing room complex at its St James’ Park stadium, Premiership football club Newcastle United has installed twelve Rada Sense digital showers in the shower room complex.

Many Premiership teams have Rada equipment installed in the shower and washroom areas of their changing rooms but in opting for Rada Sense in the home changing rooms, Newcastle is leading the way with Rada’s digital washroom technology.

As the facilities manager at St James Park Eddie Rutherford explains, “we were looking to create a five star facility for the new changing rooms and having seen at first hand the Rada Sense installation at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. I was immediately impressed and recommended the system for our shower rooms.

“They are highly efficient and the players are very impressed with their no touch flow and temperature controls,” he adds.

With their chrome plated control panels and high quality fittings, Rada Sense brings a very modern look to complement the high quality design and fittings of the changing rooms which have a black and white theme to complement the famous Newcastle United colours.

Aesthetics and showering performance aside, with its T-logic digital intelligence, Rada Sense is also smarter, safer and more hygienic than any other tap or shower control on the market and satisfies a range of issues addressed by The Health and Safety Commission’s ‘Approved Code of Practice L8’.

“Rada Sense is not an ordinary ‘no-touch’ control because not only does it allow the user to initiate water flow, it also allows the selection of the water temperature without touching the panel,” explains Roy Minett, marketing manager for Rada.

“For safety, precise maximum and minimum water temperatures and flow times can be pre-set using a remote hand held computer and these settings are maintained even if there are water pressure or temperature fluctuations.

“The Rada Sense digital mixing valve also incorporates an intelligent ‘duty flush’ feature that monitors the time since the outlet was last used. If it has not been used for a pre-determined time (say 24 hours) it automatically flushes through at a safe temperature,” he adds.

This feature is particularly relevant to shower areas that are not in daily use but where, in order to maintain best practice in the water supply system, regular flushing of the showers to prevent potential legionella and bacteria problems developing within the hot water system dead legs must be undertaken. This can be both time consuming and labour intensive if undertaken manually.

“The Health and Safety Commission’s ‘AcoP L8’ also recommends routine thermal disinfection as a means of preventing or controlling legionella,” explains Roy Minett. “With Rada Sense this can be achieved by activating its thermal disinfection mode which – under supervision – allows hot water at a temperature of at least 60°C to be flushed through the electronic mixing valve and all outlet pipe-work. Of course this is simply not possible where conventional TMV’s are fitted,” explains Roy Minett.

Other key features of the Rada Sense T-logic technology include a facility that performs 5 safety checks, 40 times a second, a ‘lock out’ facility that activates if a fault is detected and a second temperature sensor that will close down the system if for any reason the water temperature exceeds a safe level. The mixing unit is also supplied factory-set to comply with TMV3 safe temperature settings.

While Newcastle United have pioneered the use of Rada Sense in the players changing rooms, other Premiership clubs who use Rada showering and washroom equipment include Manchester United, Middlesbrough, Blackburn Rovers and Aston Villa along with Championship clubs West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers to name a few.

The complete re-furbishing project – including the plumbing and Rada Sense installation – was undertaken by Newcastle United’s in house maintenance team. “Graham Buckham, Rada’s local commercial specification manager gave the plumber and electrician a quick run through and they had absolutely no problems with installation. The plumber’s actual words were – it was a doddle! –“ concludes Eddie Rutherford.

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Rada, the commercial division of Kohler Mira, has introduced the Tripoint-™ electronic basin tap, an ideal no touch tap for public washrooms and hand washing environments such as offices, hotels, leisure and sports facilities, surgeries and similar.

Easy to install and serviceable from above the basin, Tripoint-F makes use of a unique battery powered infrared sensor technology called Tripoint™ that works in a similar manner to an auto focus camera. This produces highly reliable operation, accurately sensing the true distance of an object in relation to the infrared eye, regardless of reflections, clothing colour or light variations.

Tripoint-F is a three in one product, having the capability to be installed with pre-mixed supplies and with or without temperature adjustment when installed with separate hot and cold supplies.

The Tripoint-F features a transmitter and receiver. When the user approaches the tap and their hands enter the ‘triangle’ – approximately 14cms – it activates the water flow. Because of the accuracy of the beam transmission and reflection, false activations – a problem prevalent with many infrared designs – are greatly reduced.

Tripoint-F taps also feature an energy reducing timed flow facility, a mixer temperature control, a vandal proof design, in line filters and a self cleaning diaphragm. All models are supplied with WRAS approved flexible hoses.

Being battery operated the Tripoint-F can be installed without calling on the services of an electrician, a feature that opens up a range of new possibilities for installing infrared taps in areas where they had previously been uneconomic to install.

Once installed Tripoint-F taps are inherently reliable. Power consumption is minimal with the 6v lithium battery having an expected life span of between 3 and 5 years. Watertight seals protect the sensors and control electronics and any servicing that is required is undertaken quickly, with all serviceable components accessible from above the basin.

The Rada Tripoint-F is competitively priced and will be available through merchants. It provides the smaller commercial user with a highly reliable, cost effective alternative to conventional infrared water control systems with the advantages of ease of installation and highly reliable performance.

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The UK has a new monthly specialist magazine devoted entirely to construction and quarry plant and equipment.

Following the success of Machinery Movers Ireland, which was launched only a year ago with a circulation of 8,000 across the whole of Ireland, the first edition of Machinery Movers UK will be published in November/December 2007, following which it will then appear monthly.

Its publisher, Brian Coogan, said: “Machinery Movers Ireland has grown rapidly to become the No1 dedicated construction and quarry equipment title in Ireland and we anticipate similar success for our new UK edition.”

“Like its Irish counterpart, Machinery Movers UK will be packed full of interesting and informative news and features, with regular sections on plant news, rental & plant hire, health & safety, new & used machinery and operator reviews, combined with extensive manufacturer and distributor profiles.

“The practical, hard working, down-to-earth, no nonsense approach with our Irish publication has been enthusiastically received by readers and advertisers alike and its our intention to replicate this in the UK market.”

“This success to date has also been achieved in no small part by constantly listening to the views and opinions of our readers and advertisers. We're always interested to hear from them with any news, comments or suggestions they may have”, he added.

Distribution of the new magazine across the UK mainland will be through a combination of subscription and specialist news trade sales, together with mailings to selected named individuals, covering the construction, quarrying, civil engineering, recycling, demolition, plant hire and rental sectors, as well as distributors, local authorities and utilities.

The first issue of Machinery Movers UK will contain in-depth features on Mini Excavators and Mobile, Static & Mini Crushers; looking at what's new and available from the leading manufacturers and distributors.

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