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Mitsubishi Electric’s Commercial Director, Donald Daw has put the company’s belief in the energy-saving value of air source heat pumps to the test recently by taking part in a special ‘Dragon’s Den’ style presentation involving Grand Design’s Kevin McCloud.

The Channel 4 star was part of a panel which included Professor David Strong, Chair of the Energy Efficiency Partnership for Homes, and David MacKay, Chief Scientific Advisor, Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC).

The trio quizzed Mitsubishi Electric and three other companies (the Mark Group, Knauf Insulation, and BEAMA) who have come up with new and innovative ideas to make homes more energy efficient.

“The panel didn’t pull their punches just like the real Dragon’s but I think heat pumps came out very well because they are one of the few technologies that are flexible, affordable, and scalable enough to really make a difference to the majority of our homes,” commented Daw.

“However, the real winner was the idea of everyone working together to find a whole house solution rather than believing that one single technology can be the answer in every situation,” he added.

The event was one of the highlights of the Civil Service Live expo held at London’s Olympia on the 6th – 8th July attended by over 10,000 visitors.

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Two products from Mira Showers – the UK’s leading manufacturer of showering products and accessories – have been awarded the prestigious Waterwise Marque, acknowledging their contribution to improving water efficiency. The Minilite Eco and Miniduo with Eco handset are ‘environmentally friendly’ showers designed to significantly reduce water and energy consumption, by as much as 75%, while still delivering superb performance.

Waterwise is an independent Non-governmental organisation dedicated to reversing the upward trend in how much water is used in the home and workplace; and is the leading authority on water efficiency.

The Minilite Eco which – as the name suggests – combines the company’s compact Minilite with the efficiency benefits of a 6 litres-per-minute (lpm) flow regulator; while the Miniduo is united with the innovative Eco showerhead. Importantly, both shower combinations assist in meeting the requirements of the Code for Sustainable Homes.

Both the valves are half the size of ‘standard’ ones – without any compromise in shower performance; are thermostatic and are available in both chrome built-in and exposed variants. The Minilite Eco has a simple, single sequential control; and is complete with a Mira fittings kit.

The Miniduo and Eco showerhead is just as it states: the Miniduo concentric valve combined with all the water saving benefits of the Eco showerhead. Operation is by separate ‘Select & Forget’ controls for temperature and flow.

The Miniduo also has 110mm pipe centres; and is suitable for easy retro-fitting onto pipe centres between 133 -153mm with the use of an adjustable elbow kit.

The Eco showerhead’s unique design reduces the amount of water normally used by up to a massive 75% (compared to a standard Logic showerhead at 0.5 bar pressure). The ‘ecoefficient™’ technology uses the Venturi principle, by which air is introduced into the flow 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. Not only does this offer the user huge savings in water, but in energy too – as less hot water needs to be heated.

The adjustable showerhead also provides a choice of three aerating spray modes – Start, Soothe and Force – which allow the user to ‘customise’ their shower ‘experience’.

Mira’s ‘eco’ Minilite and Miniduo with Eco handset delivers a win-win situation for all concerned. The user gets a high quality, high performance shower that is both water and energy efficient and therefore saves money on water and fuel bills; while developers and social landlords are able to meet the requirements of the Code for Sustainable Homes as well as delivering their buyers and tenants a superbly effective and economical shower.

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The London Development Agency (LDA) in conjunction with The Building Centre Trust has selected Vent-Axia’s Air Minder heat recovery unit for No.1 Lower Carbon Drive, a two-bedroom life-size eco-house recently built in Trafalgar Square to showcase energy saving devices. An initiative from the Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone’s Climate Change Action Plan, the building is constructed in the shape of a quaint, pre-war two-storey house, and made national headlines at the start of December when it was erected right next to Nelson’s Column.

Filled with fun and interactive exhibits that illustrate what Londoners can do in their home to tackle climate change, No. 1 Lower Carbon Drive, is divided into six zones, covering energy, ventilation, appliances, water, recycling and insulation. Within the ventilation zone Vent-Axia’s low carbon Air Minder has been selected as the product of choice to demonstrate the benefits of Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery (MVHR) in the modern home. The house was constructed by Hub Design through project manager Max Turner in conjunction with Andrew Scoons of the Building Centre Trust.

“At Vent-Axia we are committed to producing energy saving technology which reduces electrical consumption and, ultimately, our carbon footprint. Using proven heat recovery technology, our Air Minder system can reduce the heating system requirement in a property to save upwards of 500kg of carbon per annum,” explains Kevin Sargeant, Managing Director of Vent-Axia, leaders in air management technology.

The Air Minder combines continuous ventilation with the most advanced heat recovery system available. Sized correctly it will gently ventilate a property at a rate of about half an air change per hour, removing moist air and unpleasant smells from the kitchen, bathrooms and toilets and extracting it to the outside. Heat is extracted from this air by the unit and used to warm fresh filtered air which is drawn into living spaces such as bedrooms and living rooms, providing continuous ventilation even when the house is sealed up for the day.

No. 1 Lower Carbon Drive was opened by the Mayor to launch London Green Homes service, part of the Mayor’s Climate Change Action Plan – a comprehensive programme of initiatives to reduce carbon emissions by 60 per cent by 2025. The flagship London Green Homes service is unique to the capital and will offer a free comprehensive telephone advice service, a free website and a paid-for green ‘concierge’ service to provide a hassle-free tailor-made package of carbon saving lifestyle improvements.

No 1 Lower Carbon Drive was on show in Trafalgar Square until 16 December. It is scheduled to move to several locations across London before remaining at the Building Centre in Store Street, London as a permanent display.

Vent-Axia’s Air Minder is part of Vent-Axia Lo-Carbon™ collection of energy saving ventilation solutions. The aim of the Lo-Carbon initiative is to offer the latest low carbon ventilation technology in order to reduce building energy consumption and so carbon emissions. Vent-Axia Lo-Carbon™ will be showcasing its collection of energy saving ventilation solutions on Stand E356 at Ecobuild 2007, 26-28 February, where the company will also allow visitors access to its comprehensive information resource the VA Knowledge Bank.

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For those seeking a roof window which combines good eco-credentials with added security, Fakro roof windows now use the patented, topSafe® system. This provides the highest standard of security and safety currently available (Class 3 – EN 13049), its micro-opening facility enabling it to remain secure even when open. Additional steel reinforcement is built into the lower part of the sash, while improved lock security and fixing screws driven in at an angle prevent hinges being ruptured.

U.K. Sales Director Phil Adams commented, “topSafe is not used in any other manufacturer’s roof windows and the fact that a number of our windows achieve EN13049 Class 4 adds further emphasis to the benefits that the system provides”. The level of safety provided means most windows will withstand the weight of an individual if stepped on. Fakro roof windows are also made using only close-grain, knot-free, redwood pine, a growing proportion of which is from FSC approved sources. They have also been designed to enable every element to be stripped out easily for recycling.

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MK Electric, the UK’s leading manufacturer of wiring devices and accessories, is transforming light operation with the introduction of a range of innovative ‘self powered’ switches – called Echo – that are entirely wireless and battery-free! MK is the first major UK manufacturer to incorporate this patented technology – so-called ‘enabled by EnOcean’, after the German company that developed it – into switches; and the new Echo range harvests tiny amounts of ambient energy to wirelessly operate lighting at ranges of up to 30 metres within buildings.

The benefits of such technology – combined with MK Electric’s market-leading wiring devices and accessories – include almost instant switch installation; total location flexibility of light switches within buildings; and easy relocation, re-installation and considerable cost-savings when ‘churning’ office and other commercial spaces. The Echo range is also incredibly low maintenance thanks to the lack of batteries (that would need replacing) and lack of wiring in the wall.

Furthermore, the switches aid compliance with Building Regulations such as Part L by providing for localised control of lighting and integration with lighting management systems and other networks covering areas such as heating and air-conditioning. They also help with meeting Part M requirements thanks to their immense flexibility when positioning them, combined with their easy-to-operate wide rockers.

The wireless, battery free Echo range is suitable for a wide range of applications and installation environments: from office new build and refurbishment which may have a need to re-arrange space periodically, or glass partitions – preventing the use of wired devices – through to conservation or listed environments where chasing wires is not possible.

It also lends itself to domestic extensions or conservatories where switch location may be an issue or – again – where areas of glass feature; and, finally, one-off or ‘portable’ locations such as park homes, caravans, exhibition stands and temporary buildings where a fast, flexible solution is required.

The MK Electric Echo lighting system essentially comprises two components: the ‘self powered’ switch, and an RF receiver. The receiver is installed at the lighting fixture and wired into to the lighting circuit at the time of ceiling installation. The switch is then mounted, using either adhesive pads – for super-fast fixing or onto awkward surfaces like marble or glass – or with screws if additional security is necessary.

The switch is simply ‘aligned’ to the receiver by setting it into ‘learn mode’ and pressing the rocker. The switch is now wirelessly dedicated to the fixture in question. One receiver can be programmed so it can be operated by up to 30 switches; while, conversely, any number of receivers can be activated by a single switch. Where signals may be obstructed by impervious materials such as granite or steel, repeater units are available which will divert and/ or extend transmissions around a building.

MK Electric’s first ‘enabled by EnOcean’ Echo switches will be from its immensely popular Logic Plus wiring accessories range. Logic Plus has been designed to complement contemporary interiors and is probably the largest selection of wiring accessories available in any single range on the market today. The Logic Plus Echo switches are available in one or two gang variants; and readily integrate with other accessories in the Logic range – from socket outlets through to Euro, LJU6C and MK modular data frontplates. Other Echo range styles and options will be added over the coming months.

MK Electric’s new ‘enabled by EnOcean’ Echo range of ‘self powered’ switches mean no wires, no batteries and no fuss. They will radically revise the way switching is treated within commercial spaces; and deliver a host of benefits to the specifier, installer and facilities manager – whether seeking products permitting super-fast installation; to mount switches on glass; or total flexibility over switch location in partitioned offices subject to re-arrangement.

Low maintenance, sustainable and highly accessible products; MK Electric’s Echo range represents a new generation of switching devices and helps take the company’s renowned strength of product in depth, quality and service to a new level.

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Leaders from ten global companies gathered in London today to announce publicly the formation of the “Friends of the Supergrid” (FOSG) which has been set up to progress policy towards the construction of a pan-European Offshore Supergrid. Through the combination of their respective areas of expertise, the FOSG members have unique insight into the policies needed to create the Supergrid and have the capability to deliver it in practice.

The FOSG is the only representative body that combines companies in sectors that will deliver the High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) infrastructure and related technology, together with companies that will develop, install, own and operate that infrastructure. It brings together the organisations that will design the physical equipment, with those who will build the structures at sea.

The founding members include 3E, AREVA T&D, DEME Blue Energy, Elia, Hochtief Construction AG, Mainstream Renewable Power, Parsons Brinckerhoff, Prysmian Cables & Systems, Siemens and Visser & Smit Marine Contracting.

Speaking at the launch on behalf of the members, Mainstream Renewable Power’s Chief Executive Dr Eddie O’Connor said,” The UK government has recently shown its commitment to large-scale offshore wind by announcing the development of up to 50GW by 2020. We now need to integrate this huge resource into Europe to enable the open trade of electricity between Member States. The Friends of the Supergrid is uniquely placed to influence policy-makers towards creating the Supergrid and ultimately changing how we generate, transmit and consume electricity for generations to come.”

In December last year, nine EU Member States, including the UK and Germany, signed a political declaration for the “North Seas Countries Offshore Grid Initiative”. Last month Norway signed the declaration, whose aim is to develop policy to advance offshore interconnection in Europe. The FOSG is solely able to present “cradle to grave” interconnection solutions to the policy-makers and others looking to develop energy policy across Europe through to 2050.

FOSG will be run by an Executive and directed by the Board of members. Membership will be kept to a maximum of 20 companies and aims to have both an industrial and geographic cross-section, with its base in Brussels. The concept of the Supergrid was first launched a decade ago and it is defined as “an electricity transmission system, mainly based on direct current, designed to facilitate large-scale sustainable power generation in remote areas for transmission to centres of consumption, one of whose fundamental attributes will be the enhancement of the market in electricity”.

The Supergrid will open markets, strengthen security of supply and create another global opportunity for European companies to export sustainable energy technology. The technology underpinning the Supergrid will give competitive advantage to the companies involved with its specification and design. This type of integrated AC/DC grid will be a template for what will be needed in other global markets including the US and China.

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Construction specialist Willmott Dixon has unveiled the future of local health at the BRE Innovation Park in Watford, with a building designed to show what a community health centre of the future could look like.

As a top ten health sector contractor, the company has developed the Willmott Dixon Community Healthcare Campus to give the health industry a valuable insight into what the patient experience could be at a local level in the next 20 years. With an ageing population, the way we currently deliver healthcare will no longer be viable and there will be a real need for more localised care to help people manage increasingly complex medical conditions in their own home.

Willmott Dixon and partner Primary Asset are also using the facility to demonstrate different ways of designing and building in line with the NHS 2018 zero-carbon building targets.

At the heart of the building’s mechanical services is an M2M Maxi control system from Mitsubishi Electric which acts as a mini-BMES, controlling all of the heating, cooling, ventilation and power generation for the centre.

“The building incorporates passively ventilated consulting rooms, comfort heating and cooling, and a Lossnay RX5 heat recovery system and these all need an accurate control system to work efficiently together,” explained Jonathan Leyland, of Mitsubishi Electric’s Corporate Operations Division, which is responsible for maintaining the relationship with Willmott Dixon.

“We have also installed an array of photovoltaic panels on the roof of the centre which will generate around 11 per cent of the electricity required,” he added. Mitsubishi Electric recently launched a new PV system in the UK and this is the first installation to demonstrate its efficiency and effectiveness.

In addition to a covered roof terrace that incorporates a healthy food growing area, the building features a reception area incorporating a smartcard system that links to patients’ online records, an outdoor fitness area and a pharmacy of the future. The medical centre has been built by transforming the original ‘Re-Thinking School’ built by Willmott Dixon in 2007 to point the way towards the educational establishments of tomorrow. The new healthcare centre will be open for visits for the next two years.

“We’ve worked with contractor N G Bailey to help redesign the centre’s services so that they can achieve the year-round comfortable and stress-free climate needed to put patients at their ease, whilst ensuring that the building is as energy efficient as possible,” added Leyland.

The M2M control system is the first of its kind in the air conditioning industry to come with the unique ability to monitor other systems within a building. It offers a relatively low-cost solution for premises without Ethernet connections or with security networks and firewalls. Heating, cooling and ventilation are major energy consumers in modern buildings but we must have them to meet legislation on air quality and internal temperatures as well as match the demands of modern life.

“When a building introduces different systems, there is a danger that they can work against each other and this is where the M2M comes into its own as it allows the centre’s staff to closely monitor energy use and accurately control the building’s facilities in harmony,” ended Leyland.

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Mainstream Renewable Power South Africa has released the results of a technical study undertaken to estimate the scale of the country’s wind resource. The analysis, which uses Geographic Information System (GIS) technology and a state of the art Mesoscale wind flow model, concludes that South Africa has enough economically viable wind energy sites to generate 184 Terawatt hours (TWh) of indigenous, sustainable energy. Electricity demand in South Africa currently stands at around 250 TWh, coming from 44GW of installed capacity and is expected to grow to 80GW by 2025. The country is currently the 12th biggest producer of CO2 emission per capita in the world and emissions are set to quadruple by 2050 if drastic measures are not taken.

The study modelled the entire surface area of the country using GIS technology, which assesses a variety of inputs including terrain elevation, wind speed, grid line locations and urban areas, and outputs the areas where wind farms can be constructed. The company believes that up to 5GW can be built within a five year period, which would generate 13 TWh, or about 5% of the country’s current electricity demand. Strong public and government commitment combined with the right regulatory environment, wind power could easily reach 25% of the country’s current electricity demand by 2025, similar to what is happening in many other international markets.

Mark Tanton, the deputy chairperson of the South African Wind Energy Association commented “This study, once again, proves that we have a significant wind resource in the country. In order to deliver on our long-term energy future we need to take immediate action. If government is serious about reaching its renewable energy targets and finding a cost effective solutions to bolster our ailing power supply, the potential contribution from wind power projects cannot be ignored. To date Eskom has received applications in excess of 10.5GW for grid connections for wind power projects in South Africa. Once the issues around accessing the PPA are resolved, the 28 developers who have lodged these applications would be more than capable of bringing a minimum of 4GW into the system by 2013.”

Commenting on the report, Mainstream South Africa’s Davin Chown said,” South Africa is facing a serious economic and energy crises and wind energy has a significant role to play in tackling both of these issues. As a nation, we can’t afford to ignore the potential of our vast wind energy resource. We need to introduce at least 36GW of new energy capacity over the next 15 years and by using our own natural resources to plug this gap we will not only reduce our CO2 emissions by over 68 million tonnes each year, but we’ll create a whole new economic industry, particularly in rural areas, generating new jobs and empowering local communities through education, training and skills transfer.”

Dr Eddie O’Connor, Mainstream’s Chief Executive said,”There’s nothing new to this. There’s already 150GW of wind energy installed around the globe and it’s growing by 30GW per annum, employing over 400,000 people worldwide. This is a highly reliable, competitive and scalable form of power generation with zero long-term fuel risks and highly predictable long-term power generation capabilities.”

He continued,” Mainstream is prepared to invest large quantities of capital to build these sustainable energy assets, but we need to see long-term targets and a clear, investor-friendly regulatory environment. South Africa still needs transparent grid connection and queuing processes.”

“We are very encouraged by the government’s work to date to promote renewable energies and encourage new independent power producers into the market and we look forward to continuing to facilitate and work with government on these activities.”

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