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TENSAR INTERNATIONAL has taken an industry initiative to invest in the development of specialist software that enables engineers and contractors to calculate CO2 savings arising from the use of TriAx™ geogrids on specific ground stabilisation projects. In addition, using Tensar's revolutionary TriAx™ geogrids in ground stabilisation applications can enable reductions in aggregate thickness of over 40% for the same load bearing performance, compared to traditional methods.

Developed in conjunction with consultants Coffey Geotechnics Limited, Tensar's newly launched Carbon Calculator is an interactive tool available to all at www.tensarsustain.co.uk that demonstrates the savings in carbon dioxide emissions that can be achieved by using Tensar TriAx™ geogrids in ground stabilisation applications.

“We believe we are the only geosynthetic manufacturer and supplier to have committed time and resource into exploring in detail the environmental impact of geogrid technologies used in ground stabilisation,” says Tensar's David Cashman, Commercial Manager for Stabilisation Systems. “The innovative software shows that savings of up to 50% of CO2 emissions can be achieved on a typical road foundation project by using Tensar TriAx™ geogrids over more traditional designs.

“For example, our new TriAx™ geogrid can enable reductions in aggregate thickness of over 40% for the same load bearing performance. The CO2 reductions generated by reduced aggregate volume and associated transport, together with less excavation and disposal of spoil are then only partially offset by the carbon cost of the geogrid, offering a net saving of up to 50% of CO2 emissions. This clearly conforms to the Chartered Institute of Building's Draft Strategy for Sustainable Construction.”

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The 17th edition of the wiring regulations is now with us, and full implementation is less than six months away. That’s why Crabtree has issued a new guidance leaflet, detailing its newly extended range of consumer units and showing how each may be used to provide the discrete circuit protection insisted on by the new regulations.

In practice special provision has now to be made for any circuits, wired by traditional methods i.e. twin and earth cable concealed within a wall or partition at a depth of less than 50mm, unless it has some form of mechanical protection against damage by nails or screws etc. (metal conduit for example). All affected circuits must be given the additional protection referred to in the regs by using an RCD, with a sensitivity not exceeding 30mA. That’s where the latest range of consumer units from Crabtree will give all the flexibility to provide separate rcd protection for as many individual rings circuits or spurs needed.

Specific reference is made within the new standard to taking account of and reducing the possibilities of danger and inconvenience arising from the failure of a single circuit such as a lighting circuit. For example, the result of an RCD operating due to a fault with the shower should not create a low light hazard in the bathroom. So even if you need circuit division within an installation, (i.e. downstairs lights and upstairs sockets sharing one RCD, while upstairs lights and downstairs sockets share another) to avoid unnecessary loss of light or power following the operation of an RCD, there will be a Crabtree consumer unit that will meet that need.

In fact, Crabtree’s range of consumer units will provide many options to installers as they strive to meet the new regulations. Do remember though that British Standards and IEE regulations are subject to change and amendment, so this guide is not a substitute for the regulations, which should always be followed for all types of electrical installation design, and installation work.

For your free copy of the new 17th edition Starbreaker consumer unit guidance leaflet, please contact Electrium Sales on 01543 455000

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Polypipe Ventilation is pleased to announce the launch of a new Domus Fresh Air Supply Set. It has been designed specifically to meet the growing need for the effective provision of replacement air to ensure that comfortable indoor air quality is maintained in properties when exhaust air heat pumps are installed.

The new set is also ideal for use with extractor fans and cooker hoods’. In addition it can be used as a replacement air supply for MEV systems or as an alternative to conventional airbricks for fossil fuel burning appliances.

The design of the Domus Fresh Air Supply Set promotes draught-free fresh air back into the property through an unobtrusive multi-directional inlet grille that includes a washable environment filter which cleanses the incoming air. Externally, there is a choice of four outlet colours to match the outside brickwork which ensures that the installation is as discreet as possible. It can be used in walls up to 450mm thick and is easy and quick to install.

The air flow characteristics of the kit have been verified by the University of Cambridge following a rigorous test program. This ensures guaranteed end-to-end system performance and appliance compatibility.

To assist with building pressure tests as required by Approved Document L, a bespoke blanking commissioning plug has been included for the installer’s convenience. This is a necessity when using energy efficient exhaust air heat pumps.

The Domus Fresh Air Supply Set is the latest addition to the Polypipe Ventilation range of high quality domestic and light commercial ventilation products that provides a single source of supply to meet the requirements of the Building Regulations.

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The New Wire-Free, Radio Fire System from detectomat is a unique alternative to the costs, potential damage and business disruption associated with installing Fire Systems in existing buildings. And an ideal solution for retrofit and refurbishment applications in small to medium sized enterprises.

Interconnection of the various Fire System components including detectors, manual call points, sounders and control panels, which has traditionally been done in electrical cabling can now be done with wire-free radio. Installing cables in existing buildings has, in the past, meant ugly surface wiring or damage to decorations caused by the installation of concealed wiring. Installing concealed wiring is also time consuming and presents access issues and general disruption to ongoing business. This all meant an unwanted and unnecessary escalation of costs, which can now be avoided!.

Radio as a Fire System communication medium has been available for many years but at a high cost. Now, the unique RCP 6B system from detectomat offers a cost-effective wire-free, Radio Fire Alarm solution as an alternative to hardwired Conventional and smaller Addressable applications. And as an added benefit the system utilises detectomat’s unique range of Designer cover Smoke Alarms to complement traditional or modern contemporary interior designs.

The system comprises of a range of battery operated, self-contained fire detection and alarm devices including Heat and third party certified Smoke Alarms plus Manual Call Points, Sounder Beacons and other fire peripherials. These devices are radio connected with each other via a Fire Panel base station, which provides comprehensive alarm indication and control including monitoring of the system network integrity and battery conditions.

A unique solution within its application area, which has been reviewed and well received by a number of Fire Service and Fire industry professionals. For further information call 01579 321750, email detectomat@leighandersonassociates.com or visit www.detectomat.com .

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David Hill has been named Managing Director, Kohler Mira and Kitchen & Bath UK, with effect May 2009. He reports to Jeff Mueller, President, Global Faucets; with a ‘dotted line’ to Giorgio Pitzurra, President, Kohler Europe.

In this role, Hill will oversee the Kohler Kitchen & Bath businesses in the UK under the Kohler, Mira, Daryl and Rada brands. He will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies to drive long-term growth and profitability in the UK market; as well as the Rada brand globally.

“Dave's straightforward approach to creating business value and his history of positive results make him an excellent choice to lead the UK businesses,” said Mueller. This move is part of a series of recent steps aimed at ensuring knowledge transfer, leadership development and seamless, stable succession planning that all contribute to the strength of Kohler Co.

During his 13 years with the company, Hill has managed operations in Mira and Kohler Europe. Most recently, he oversaw all UK operations as well as the commercial export business and the Rada brand activities in his role as Director, Operations & General Manager Commercial, Kohler Mira.

Prior to Mira, Hill held engineering and operational roles within the aerospace and automotive industries. He holds a bachelor's degree in production technology and production management from the University of Aston in Birmingham, and is a chartered engineer and a member of the Institution of Engineering & Technology. Internally, Hill has completed the Kohler Leadership Development Program.

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With greater attention than ever being placed on sustainability, Fakro’s new RIBA certified CPD presentation 'Roof Windows – Sustainability, Security and Safety' evaluates these three key aspects of specification. It explains how roof windows can be used in relation to the performance requirements of the Code For Sustainable Homes and in particular the contribution they can make to thermal and acoustic efficiency. Information is provided on how to differentiate between product performance in relation to safety and security, for which EN13049 provides a much needed means of evaluation. The relevance of FSC, BBA TUV certification and recyclability are also covered alongside security initiatives such as Secured by Design.

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A Megger MFT1552 multifunction tester, which provides all of the test facilities needed to comply with the 16th and 17th Editions of the IET Wiring Regulations in a single instrument, was one of the major prizes won by Nathan Mabbett, of C A Sothers, who was recently named as Birmingham Electrical Training Apprentice of the Year.

The Megger multifunction tester, along with a cheque for £200 and a plaque, were presented to Nathan by Ruth Badger, who herself was the winner in last year’s The Apprentice television series.

In assessing Nathan Mabbett, who is a fourth year apprentice, the judges took particular account of his communication skills, initiative, ambition, technical knowledge and key skills gained. They also evaluated his presentation, and reports from his employers and his college.

“We are proud to support this prestigious award and to offer our congratulations to Nathan,” said Julian Grant of Megger.

“We believe that it’s important not only to invest in the development of new products and systems – an area where Megger is a world leader – but also in the development of people. Megger recognises that the future of our industry and, indeed of our economy, depends on the availability of well-trained, skilled staff. These awards highlight the efforts of Birmingham Electric Training in producing staff of the necessary high calibre.”

The Megger MFT1552 multifunction tester received by Nathan Mabbett is one of the highly successful MFT1500 series of instruments from Megger, all of which have been developed to offer busy electrical contractors comprehensive, efficient, dependable and cost-effective test facilities.

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Since 1996 Ductbusters have been providing a cleaner indoor environment by improving the quality of the air within a diverse portfolio of properties. There is in excess of 45 years collective experience in air handling unit maintenance, ductwork cleaning, ductwork repair, ductwork installation, ductwork disinfection as well industrial and commercial air cleaning. A full ventilation system risk assessment, report and recommendation service is also available.

A team of trained, directly employed Service Technicians operate on a nationwide basis, working to the latest industry standards, at times to cause your organisation the minimum of disruption.

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Potato Wharf in Manchester is a resplendent example of innovation blended with tradition. These two new residential apartment blocks comprising one and two-bedroomed apartments, were designed by MBLA Architects to complement the surrounding environment and to meet the highest possible contemporary construction standards. An eye-catching feature on the exterior of the blocks is the Douglas Fir cladding, with Sikkens Cetol BL21 plus coating used for both protection of the bare timber and for its aesthetic enhancement.

Colours dominate the two eight-storey high structures which are located in the Castlefield district of Manchester city centre overlooking the vast canal network that intertwines the city. These historic waterways have dictated the design of the blocks, with deep grey facades blending with the nearby iron bridges and splashes of colour on the exterior walls reminiscent of traditional canal barges.

The architects chose Douglas Fir cladding for its aesthetic appeal, and in order to provide maximum protection to the cladding Sikkens Cetol BL21 plus was specified as the optimum solution. “Cetol offered the best match to the bare timber and one that would accommodate the material's natural weathering,” comments Marie Gartland, Project Manager at MBLA. “Additionally, the environmental credentials of the coating matched our very stringent requirements, helping us to attain a very good Eco-Homes rating for this exclusive development.”

Sikkens Cetol BL21 plus is water based alkyd/acrylic coating which absorbs into the timber surface, offering full protection against the damaging effects of sunlight and weathering, and allows the flexibility necessary for the natural movement of timber.

The result is a stunning front faÇade for the two blocks that comprise Potato Wharf, with the eye catching Douglas Fir cladding enjoying protection and longevity assured by the Cetol coating for many years to come.

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