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Energy saving, sustainability, reducing emissions, reducing water usage – these are the hottest topics in a number of sectors as increasingly we become aware of the fragility of the planet’s future and place within it.

It falls to a number of companies that operate within these sectors to invest in the technology and the practical solutions that help us to address these challenges – and one of those is Wilo – one of the leading manufacturers in the pumps and pumping systems sector, a German company that now operates on a global scale and one that is happily building on its traditions of engineering excellence.

It has been looking at these areas for many years, developing and offering some of the most energy efficient, environmentally friendly products in their market sector, that you can buy. So it will come as no surprise that amongst its developments, you’ll find a range of products designed and manufactured to address the issue of rainwater harvesting – a technology area that like so many is far further ahead both in development and consumer acceptance in mainland Europe than it is here in the UK.

The advantage s that Wilo brings to the rainwater harvesting issue is an established understanding of the problem combined with a response to the problem that offers a number of pre-developed solutions that can slot happily into the rainwater harvesting needs of UK contractors, developers and homeowners.

So first of all let’s ask the fundamental question – why do we want to ‘harvest’ rainwater? It’s simply that water is an increasingly valuable resource and whilst it comes from the sky, you never know exactly in what quantity or exactly when it will come. What is happening is really a major waste of expensive, cleaned water.

For years, here in the UK we have happily ‘cleaned’ the water supply before flushing it down the toilet. Do we need to use potable – drinkable water to flush out toilets? To wash our cars? To water our gardens? Clearly the answer is no. Water that falls from the sky is in the main clean and an excellent source of water for those tasks that don’t involve drinking, cooking and personal hygiene. What would make huge sense was if all homes and businesses had two sources of water – one for the aforesaid drinking, cooking and personal hygiene and another for flushing toilets and washing cars and arguably our clothes too. That might happen, but in the meantime, many people are looking at the option of harvesting the rainwater that falls on their roofs, makes its way through a mesh filter, saving it in a tank, usually underground, and pumping it from that tank to be used in a number of non-potable applications. Why? Because it can reduce the demand on the potable water supply provided by the water companies, it can reduce water costs – particularly if you have a metered water supply of course – and can show a significant reduction in the volume of ‘clean’ water used. Its imperative that you have the facility of ‘topping up’ your water needs from the mains should the supply in your harvesting tank fall short for any reasons. It’s a necessary belt and braces solution.

Rainwater harvesting systems are far less obtrusive and can be significantly cheaper to install if they are planned into a building – either domestic or commercial at the outset. Retrofitting a rainwater harvesting system is perfectly possible but planning it into the original building makes a huge amount of sense if you can.

So why is Wilo an option you should consider if you’re sold on the idea of rainwater harvesting? Again, very simply because they have been building and working with contractors in Germany for decades and you have access to years of experience as well as to proven systems that quite simply work well. Whilst in the UK many people thinking of rainwater harvesting as an option will go down the road of looking for all the elements they need to install one, before cobbling them together, with Wilo you get the advice you need to make sure you have a working package – the pumps, the tank, the filters, and all the ancillaries including the clever electronics if you want them. Along with help in understanding the legislation and regulations that are involved in the process.

John Laming is Wilo’s Rainwater harvesting specialist and specification manager: “The technology and the systems exist – it’s just a case of specifying the right system for each job. We can look at each scenario and work out quickly which solution is the right one – assuming it is the right one. We recommend only harvesting rainwater from roof areas – not from other surfaces, such as roads for example. You have to look at the roof area and its collecting ability in conjunction with the number of people in the property you are considering using a system for. A tall office block with a relatively small roof area and huge numbers of people working in it may not be ideally suited for a rainwater harvesting project. Typically in offices, around 60-65% of all water usage is to flush toilets and urinals. It might be ideal for a new home for example, where there’s a large roof area relative to the number of people living in the property – so each opportunity is different and you have to look carefully at each case to see if it’s a viable option. That’s what we do for you before anything else.”

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Luckins has released a new Purchase Order module to complement the popular Software Toolcase range of software for electrical, HVAC and plumbing contractors.

The new module, which is fully compatible with Software Toolcase Estimating and the Luckins product and price databases, will not only help contractors reduce the administrative cost of materials procurement but will also provide valuable information to help maximise buying power and ultimately improve profit margins.

Using a buying list created from an estimate or data taken directly from the Luckins database, users can create purchase orders priced using the most up-to-date price and discount data. Orders may be linked to a project enabling the contractor to see a constantly updated snapshot of his committed costs.

Once the order has been placed the system enables the contractor to capture delivery information from the supplier’s Goods Received Notes, automatically highlighting over- or under-deliveries and calculating the expected invoice value.

Professionally presented purchase orders will reduce mistakes by suppliers so Software Toolcase Purchase Order comes equipped with a range of standard report formats. Alternatively bespoke formats can be added to suit an individual company’s specific needs.

In addition a range of analysis tools and reports are provided, enabling the contractor to calculate rebates due, and to analyse his spending over a period by any combination of supplier, manufacturer or project.

In common with all the Software Toolcase range, Purchase Order is designed to be easy and intuitive to use. New users receive full training, ensuring they start to see the benefits of their investment as soon as possible.

Donna Ward, Luckins’ Managing Director, commented: “We understand that reducing administrative costs and ensuring you always buy materials at the correct price can make a significant difference to a contractor’s profit margin. Our customers told us they needed tools to help them achieve these goals and Software Toolcase Purchase Order is our response to their wishes”

Software Toolcase Purchase Order joins the existing range of Software Toolcase modules which includes Estimating, Project Manager (Variations & Valuations), Budget Estimating and Enquiry Manager.

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Isola Platon membranes have been used in the refurbishment of ancient priory outbuildings on a site classified as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

St. Thomas’ Priory is a unique conversion development of five sensitively restored barn conversions . Triton approved remedial contractors, Rudders & Paynes installed a Platon cavity drain membrane system to the walls and floors of each barn conversion.

Normally installed to provide below ground structural waterproofing, the Platon membranes were specified as an alternative to traditional chemical injection damp proofing systems because building regulations prohibited the drilling into any of the original stone walls.

In one of the Priory buildings, where only one end wall was below ground level, the floor of each unit had been laid to a fall, and Triton Aqua Channel perimeter drainage was installed along the front edge of the slabs to collect any water from behind or under the membranes and direct it to a suitable drainage point. In other units where all walls and floors were partially below ground level, the Triton Aqua Channel was fitted to the entire perimeter.

The cavity membrane system, comprising Platon Multi to the walls and deeper studded Platon P20 to the floors, was then installed using Platon Corner Strip to seal the wall/floor junction. Platon Multi and Platon P20 combine to form a BBA certified system commonly installed as a method of below ground structural waterproofing.

A key benefit of cavity drain membranes (particularly when compared to cementitious tanking systems) is that there is little or no preparation required to the substrate. This is particularly important when the building is of historic interest as the original fabric of the building can remain unaltered.

At the St. Thomas’ Priory site, following the installation of the Platon cavity membrane system, the walls were dry lined and insulated and a concrete screed applied to the floors.

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BonaKemi announces the launch of a 2-component version of its unique ‘Naturale’ finish for wooden floors.

Launched last year as a residential floor finish, the commercial version now offers designers, architects and other specifiers a way of achieving a completely natural looking wooden floor with the durability and protection essential for commercial, retail or public spaces.

Combining the best properties of lacquer, oil and wax finishes, Bona Naturale offers an easy to maintain surface with the look and feel of natural wood. Unlike a surface finished with polyurethane lacquer, it can also be spot repaired using the special Bona Naturale Repair Kit.

BonaKemi’s Technical Manager, Alec Stacey says, “Other treatments, no matter how natural, will change the original texture and appearance of the wood significantly.

Bona Naturale doesn’t! It gives a wooden floor a unique, contemporary look and provides outstanding protection. Compared to oiled or waxed floors, it’s virtually maintenance free.”

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To meet market demand for products that offer higher levels of energy efficiency, Heatrae Sadia has upgraded its market leading Megaflo HE and Megatech solar thermal unvented hot water storage cylinders to significantly improve heat loss figures.

The unvented water heating market continues to grow, with consumer demand for powerful showers and fast filling baths keeping sales buoyant. Despite increased competition in the unvented sector, Heatrae Sadia continues to be the strong market leader with its Megaflo HE range.

However, with the UK Government aiming to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, legislation is driving important changes in the heating industry, and products need to become even more efficient.

Improving insulation and minimising heat losses from Megaflo HE and Megatech has been one of Heatrae Sadia’s key aims for 2007. As a result, from January 2008 an insulated cover for the temperature/pressure relief valve will be included on Megaflo HE, Megatech and Megaflo SystemFit, which will significantly improve the products’ heat loss figures. To assist installers, Megaflo HE will also include a wiring centre and drain valve.

Heatrae Sadia’s senior product manager Jon Cockburn said: “Whilst Megaflo HE continues to be a successful, market leading product, we want to keep improving. And, to continue to meet the needs of the market, the product must evolve.

“There is a huge focus on energy efficiency at the moment – especially because of SAP ratings, HIP packs/Energy Performance Certificates, the Code for Sustainable Homes and the forthcoming 2010 revisions to Part L of the Building Regulations. It’s also the Government’s aim for all new buildings to be zero carbon rated by 2016, and there’s a very real possibility that from January 2009 hot water systems will be labelled in terms of their energy efficiency, in line with the EuP (the Eco-Design of Energy Using Products) Directive.

“Heatrae Sadia has always made sure Megaflo HE is a forward-thinking unvented brand. We developed a pre-plumbed and pre-wired Systemfit version to assist our house builder customers, and in 2006 we launched our solar thermal cylinder, Megatech. Efficient and environmentally friendly, Megatech is designed to be used in conjunction with the solar panels and evacuated tube systems now available for the UK market, and can provide up to 60 per cent of a home’s annual domestic hot water requirements.

“Our strategy is to identify issues and deliver solutions, so this is just the first stage of Megaflo HE’s enhancement – with more to follow.”

Heatrae Sadia’s Megaflo HE is the strong market leader in the unvented sector. The company believes this success is due to a number of factors; Megaflo HE’s hot water recovery rates and performance, its internal air gap and floating baffle system, the guarantee and quality of support package offered and the materials used to manufacture the cylinder.

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ASD are please to launch the latest addition to our CENTRO range the new QUADRO luminaire.

The New QUADRO?s eye-catching design is complimented by a host of features to speed installation time. By incorporating a ?first fit? base with fast fit connector block, the fittings gear tray can be ?snapped? in place in seconds. The units diffuser easily clips on and the Twist-Lock facia simply rotates into position.

A Halo back lit version enhances the ranges design options, offering an array of energy saving options as well as standard GLS lamp versions, to provide a stunning range of units designed to make installation easy

• Designed, developed & Manufactured in the UK
• Easy to install
• IP54
• Wall or ceiling mounting.
• Halo back light version in a choice of colours.
• Integral 3 hour maintained emergency Option (HF).
• Tough Vandal resistant polycarbonate Construction
• Unique First fit polycarbonate base with fast fit connector block & snap fit gear tray.
• Fast fit Twist-Lock facia

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Rockwool’s highly insulating, sustainable and non-combustible Flexi insulation has been used in the groundbreaking ruralZED™ house, which was launched at this year’s Ecobuild and claims to be the most sustainable house design ever produced.

Designed by ZEDfactory Ltd, the ruralZED™ house has emerged from a consortium, which includes Rockwool, Charcon, Rationel, Mi-space, Hansgrohe.

The super-insulated house is constructed using 200x200mm glulam timber post-and-beam and is insulated using Rockwool’s Flexi stone wool insulation. The flexible design of the ruralZED™ house has been devised to allow various elevations and roofing configurations, and the units can be grouped to meet the requirements of different master plans.

Bill Dunster, architect at ZEDfactory Ltd, comments: “The ruralZED™ house design goes far beyond the requirements of level 6 of the Code for Sustainable Homes. It combines versatile design, unrivalled sustainability, innovative energy efficiency measures and, importantly, affordability.”

The basic elements of the ruralZED™ house cost just £116,000 and a typical property can be constructed in a month, although the prototype unveiled at Ecobuild was built in just three days.

Dunster continues: “All the materials used in ruralZED™ house design have been thoroughly tested and carefully selected for their buildability, advanced, multi-functional performance and sustainability credentials. For example, Rockwool insulation not only provides excellent thermal insulation, it is also extremely sustainable, completely non-combustible and provides very high levels of acoustic protection.”

Rockwool Flexi is a stone wool product, which features a natural 'spring' to ensure a flush fit that eliminates air gaps, even with out-of-true walls. The product flexes with the building structure in order to maintain this tight fit despite shrinkage throughout the life of the building.

In addition, Flexi moulds round any surface irregularities like bolts and fastenings, unlike rigid foam insulations, maximising airtightness levels and the thermal performance of the building structure.

Rockwool Flexi offers a superior 4 in 1 solution: In addition to its excellent thermal properties, Flexi is classed as non-combustible and has excellent acoustic properties and sustainability credentials.

Rockwool stone wool insulation is one of the most environmentally friendly and energy efficient construction products available and meets the highest standards of ‘cradle to cradle’ sustainability, energy conservation and recyclability. It is manufactured using igneous volcanic rock, an abundantly-available resource. Over the lifetime of the building, the energy saved could be 100s of times more than that consumed to manufacture the Rockwool insulation.

Rockwool insulation has a low embodied energy of 16.8MJ/Kg and has zero Ozone Depleting Potential (ODP) and Global Warming Potential (GWP). Its excellent thermal properties cut energy consumption, reducing the need to burn fossil fuels and therefore helping to minimise harmful emissions of greenhouse gases.

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align=”right”>–>By using the new Mitsubishi Electric Ecodan heat pump for domestic space heating and hot water, it is possible to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 50% and running costs by 30%.

Ecodan is a low carbon alternative to traditional boilers in modern buildings, whether new build or refurbishments. Ecodan uses the latest technology to upgrade natural energy from the outside air and uses this to provide domestic space heating and hot water.

For the ideal opportunity to find out more about Ecodan and the issues we all face as we strive to reduce CO2 emissions and energy consumption on the path towards 2016, we would like to invite House Builders, Architects, Specifiers, Consultants, Housing Associations and Local Planning Authorities to an exclusive seminar and live demonstration of Ecodan.

Venue: Mitsubishi Electric, Travellers Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL10 8XB.
Time: All seminars are from 10am until 4pm with lunch and refreshments included.
Dates: Thursday 17th April 2008
Thursday 15th May 2008
Thursday 19th June 2008

If you fit the criteria above and would like to attend one of the seminars, please either email heating@meuk.mee.com or call 01707 278601, stating your name, company name, contact telephone number and preferred date of attendance.

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