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‘ColourLine’, an option with FAKRO DEF flat roof windows, enables outer cladding to be specified in any RAL colour from the Classic Palette. Whether to blend with a green roof, terrace landscaping or tiles on pitches up to 15°, thermally efficient glazing units provide an installed U-value as low as 0.76 W/m² – ideal for Passivhaus construction. White PVC interiors are ideal for bathrooms and wetrooms, while windows from 60 x 60 to 120 x 220 cm have a glazing area up to 16% greater than competitors’ windows of comparable size. All can be installed with an XRD upstand to add 15 cm height and on pitches from 2° to 15°.

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Giant Peach introduces YouTube and SoundCloud options

The world of communications never stands still and as we enter 2016, there’s an exciting new option for companies looking to raise awareness of their products and services that makes that communication more powerful than ever before.

For UK Construction & Building Services and associated Manufacturing and Energy sector manufacturing and service provider businesses looking to communicate in a very targeted way with their trade target audiences, there’s a new option from an established internet portal that makes information gathering via the internet even simpler – and quite a lot more fun!

Giant Peach launched its first sector portal in 2001 and has since developed BusinessNet Explorer – a new multi-sector portal with a state-of-the-art customised search facility. BNE aims to significantly reduce the time taken for the business community to search for B2B internet options.

Giant Peach’s specialist team has already put together an impressive offering of product news and information access options via the BusinessNet Explorer portal, providing an easy to navigate and rewarding visit to the evolving BusinessNet. The company has now introduced a new BusinessNet Explorer YouTube channel and a SoundCloud podcast channel that makes trade news messages simple to listen to on the move and easy to gather information from.

The YouTube channel enhances the audio content from the SoundCloud channel based product news round and ‘special edition’ interview podcasts further by including supporting visuals. Both channels can easily be accessed via the BusinessNet Explorer home page www.BusinessNetExplorer.com

Both channel playlists include monthly product news round podcasts and a selection of ‘special edition’ podcasts featuring interviews with industry leaders covering topical industry issues, new products and product areas and new services available in the industry. The latest one available sees Nick Hayler, Technical Services Manager of Marshall-Tufflex, interviewed by Mick de Leiburne for BusinessNet Explorer covering a range of issues including the company’s investment in new manufacturing technology that assists them in bringing new product developments to market more quickly. The number of new podcasts available will grow in the weeks and months ahead to provide a library of interesting options available in an easily digested format that hasn’t been available in this sector before.

The initial podcasts are proving popular with the listeners and the companies involved in providing the information: “Our client Klober was extremely pleased to be contacted by us to determine whether they wanted to take advantage of BNE’s first podcast,” says Nigel Pittman at Pittman PR. “The number of individuals who listened in the first fortnight was very impressive, so we would recommend considering them as a worthwhile addition to extend marketing exposure.”

According to Mick de Leiburne, it’s all good news for Giant Peach: “It’s another new offering from Giant Peach that is a direct response from our customers to the need for new ways of sharing news and spreading messages in the sector. It’s a natural progression to the work we have been doing for several years and offers a value added service to the role we have performed successfully over that time. The value is more than doubled as the companies that are providing us with content for these podcasts are also making them accessible through their own web sites and communications processes. It’s just a way of increasing the exposure that companies can get for news stories, case studies and new product and services releases that they already produce and at the same time meeting the growing demand within the specifier and buyer community to have the option to access product news and information in audio and audio / visual formats.”

For more information on how you can spread the word through this exciting new medium, contact Mick de Leiburne via newmedia@BusinessNetExplorer.com or mobile 07971 081 620.

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According to Mike Nankivell, marketing director of Space Air, the UK Daikin Distributor, heat pumps already play in commercial buildings and the latest VRV heat pump developments from Daikin Europe demonstrate their innovative approach to meeting virtually any requirement.

The “flagship” of the new 4^th Generation VRV RANGE is the heat pump heat recovery system launched earlier in the year. This new system makes huge advances in climate control efficiency. Not only is it up to 28% more efficient than the previous generation of VRV, it is even more flexible and can be installed faster than any other heat recovery system available.

Today, Daikin’s VRV IV heat recovery system is able to efficiently satisfy requirements for heating, cooling and domestic hot water.

Daikin Europe calls it “The most Sustainable HVAC System in the World”. Mr Nankivell claimed.

The new generation Daikin VRV IV systems are now available in several variants – we have:

VRV IV Heat Recovery
VRV IV Heat Pump
VRVQ IV – replacement systems
VRV IV – W – Water cooled
A new mini VRV IV range including the S-series compact (super low profile) outdoor units
Finally – the new VRV IV i-series. The first VRV outdoor unit designed for indoor installation.

In the commercial sector, the pre-eminent heat pump is the air source air-to-air type, which can satisfy both the space heating and cooling requirements. However, sanitary hot water services have still, in the main, been provided by secondary systems such as point of use electric water heaters or central gas/oil fired boilers. This is now changing thanks to new developments in air source heat pump technology.

Focus on Efficiency

Daikin Europe’s three-pipe VRV heat recovery systems were already considered the most energy efficient on the market but VRV’s fourth generation features other new innovations outlined below, which “fine tune” the focus on efficiency with remarkable results:

1. Variable Refrigerant Temperature technology – enables the refrigerant temperature to be adjusted to match heating or cooling demand and the outside temperature, reduced power consumption results in an improved operating efficiency of as much as 28%. Comfort is also enhanced because variable refrigerant technology enables cold draughts to be avoided.
2. Continuous heating during defrost – The defrost cycle can result in reduced indoor temperatures at a time when this is undesirable. VRV IV’s continuous heating during defrost avoids this issue and maintains comfort levels when the defrost cycle is activated.
3. The VRV configurator software – enables the system to be “set up” off site, saved to a USB and simply uploaded at the commissioning stage. This feature greatly simplifies both the installation and commissioning of Daikin VRV systems.

Mike Nankivell commented. “To effectively and efficiently manage the heating and cooling and hot water requirements of our commercial buildings it’s not so much a question of “why install heat pumps?” rather than “why consider any other technology?” No other systems offer anything like the combined energy efficiency, carbon emission reductions and cost effectiveness than heat pump technology.”

For more information about Daikin’s VRV IV systems contact – marketing@spaceair.co.uk

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The National Memorial to the Few at Capel-le-Ferne, on the famous white cliffs between Dover and Folkestone in Kent has been redesigned and updated with a stunning new building, shaped like an iconic Spitfire aircraft with its sweeping wings. The site is appropriately based in the area nicknamed ‘Hell-fire Corner’ due to the intensity of the dog-fights that took place during World War 2, in this part of Kent.

Maintained by the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust, the site at Capel-le-Ferne is dedicated to Churchill’s famous “Few” who fought in the skies overhead to keep this country free from invasion. The Memorial itself inspires quiet reflection on the bravery and sacrifice shown by the aircrew – fewer than 3,000 men – who flew, fought and sometimes died in probably the most crucial battle fought by this country in the whole of the 20th century.

The Christopher Foxley-Norris Memorial Wall lists the names of all those who took part in the Battle of Britain, while a replica Spitfire and Hurricane stand nearby as a reminder of the iconic machines they flew to victory. At the edge of the car park, greeting visitors to the site is a low wall bearing Churchill’s famous quotation: “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed, by so many, to so few”.

The original plan for the memorial was on a bigger scale than the visitor will see today. Many would argue that the final design, by Harry Gray of the Carving Workshop, Cambridge, is moving through its simplicity. It features a striking sculpture of a seated airman looking out to sea, surrounded by the badges of the Allied squadrons and other units that took part in the Battle of Britain.

Independent LG distributor LGCC has had the privilege of supplying the air conditioning and heating services for the new state of the art centre, bringing together the latest Variable Refrigerant Flow technology and Heat Recovery Ventilation units in a unique energy saving combination.

Using the LG Multi V Series 4 heat recovery VRF system LG, through distributor LGCC, has supplied a 32HP (89kW cooling/ 100kW heating), two module, inverter driven outdoor unit connected to ten large ducted internal units and two four way air discharge cassettes, connected through five heat recovery distribution boxes. LGCC has also supplied cooling for the server room.

In addition there are three LG Heat Recovery Ventilation units (ECO V) installed for the supply and extract of fresh air. These are supplied with CO2 sensors.

Remote zonal control is included but overall building control is achieved by LG’s AC Smart Intelligent Centralised controller. Remote return air sensors are also installed in zones to ensure accurate control of space temperature.

All LG outdoor unit coils are treated with LG’s Gold-fin™ epoxy coating as standard to inhibit corrosion. This will be particularly relevant at this site due to the air’s salinity and the memorial’s proximity to the coast.

“We hope that LG’s equipment will make the visits of the thousands of visitors in the years ahead, that bit more comfortable – whatever time of year they choose to visit – to pay their respects to the quite extraordinary men and women who kept the invaders at bay and showed extreme bravery – up to and including giving their lives for this country” says LGCC Director Jez Smith.

“As M&E consultants, Steadman Environmental Control is proud to have been associated with this iconic project, especially in this Battle of Britain 75^th anniversary year,” said Martin Steadman.

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Mitsubishi Electric has produced a free, CPD-accredited guide to the new Energy Related Products Directive or ErP (2009/125/EC), which is a key part of the European Union’s drive to encourage consumers to use more energy efficient products.

The ErP Directive, which came into force at the end of September, now means that commercial and residential heating products will need to display an energy label, so that consumers can quickly understand the energy efficiency of the products they purchase.

A similar market transformation strategy has already proved highly successful with consumer goods such as fridges and freezers, where it is now very rare to find anything below an A rated product available on the high street.

To highlight the requirements under ErP Mitsubishi Electric has also released a short video which explains how the Directive is designed to help phase out lower performing products whilst having a positive impact on the emissions levels across Europe and increase the share of renewable energies by 20 per cent.

The dedicated video can be viewed at the company’s YouTube Channel and further information on the entire range of A++ heat pumps can be found on the dedicated Youtube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rk1ldYXNpuw&list=PLvcrLXkBScHpdC0WSvzpO3uvwawcNjpIr&index=10  

The Directive is a two-part strategy. Firstly, the ErP requires manufacturers to produce energy-using products that meet stringent minimum performance standards. And secondly, these products must be clearly labelled using a standard methodology so that consumers can quickly understand the energy efficiency of the products they purchase.

The CPD Guide covers both main parts of the ErP: the EcoDesign regulations and the Energy Labelling regulations. The guide explains how the labelling is designed to help businesses and homeowners understand the benefits of each technology and focuses on the importance of ErP in relation to legislation such as the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).

For further information, visit http://bit.ly/1NBrWjl

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Dualchas Architects’ design of Taigh Learaige in Stanley, Perthshire shows the benefit of being able to install FAKRO roof windows at varying depths. The visual aesthetic is greatly enhanced by their low profile in a structure which takes the timber from the roof into the walls with no visible rainwater goods. Eight non-vented, triple-glazed FTV U5 centre pivot windows were used with thermal combination flashings and XDP fitted underfelt collars around each window. Architect Alasdair Stephen commented, “The Fakro windows were used because of the wide range of sizes and the scope the company offers for project-specific customisation.  They are also great value compared to other glazing systems”.

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A standing seam roof in VMZINC QUARTZ-ZINC PLUS^® has been used in Howl Associates’ design of Wyre Forest Crematorium in Kidderminster. It consists of a series of ‘floating’ roof forms separated from walls with frameless clerestory glazing. Acoustic considerations were a prime concern due to the proximity of an adjacent industrial estate, major road and rifle range. Zinc, with its Green Guide A rating and compact roof build-up, was selected to deal with the complex geometry of the main chapel and used alongside green roofs on the site maintenance building.

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Extensive conservation and remodelling of the Grade 1-listed All Saints Church in Kingston-upon-Thames saw Klober Permo® air underlay used in the choir vestry reroof. The £1.7m project, designed by Ptolemy Dean Architects, a practice specialising in conservation work has opened up two entrances on the church’s north side, transforming the church into a revitalised centre for heritage and community in the heart of the town.

Permo air has an unmatched standard of ‘breathability’ and its growing use in conservation and restoration projects is matched by a similar degree of use in new build work.

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A new video from Mitsubishi Electric shows how the company took its head office from an ‘E’ to a ‘B’ energy rating and offers advice on how other companies can do the same.

With tough legislation focusing attention on energy use in the built environment, how we heat, cool and ventilate our buildings is coming under scrutiny as never before.

“We’ve been on an eight year journey and one of the things we are saying in this video is that any business could and should be planning to improve the performance of their building”, explains Russell Jones who hosts the video.

“Just like any other company we have had to make a strong business case for each new piece of equipment, but the fact that we have improved so much and have significantly reduced running costs shows the advantages that can be gained”.

The video can be viewed on the company’s dedicated YouTube channel: https:youtube.com/mitsubishielectric2

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Leading water softener manufacturer Tapworks says water softeners are far more common in the UK than you might think. With so many homes across the UK built in hard water areas, whilst the majority simply put up with the hard water coming through their water mains, a significant minority currently have taken the sensible step of doing something about it and improving their lifestyle situation.

Despite attempts to share the message that our American cousins have known for decades – a message that has seen literally millions and millions of softeners purchased and installed across the States – in the UK we’re really only just waking up to the news that installing a water softener will result in lower energy usage and – take a deep breath…..lower energy bills.

At a time when energy bills continue to head in an upwards direction, any investment that pays for itself in around two years and continues to save you money for as long as you use it, would seem to be an investment worth looking at closely – and worth recommending to your customers if they live in hard water areas of the UK.

A major independent research study in the USA – the Battelle Report – which began six years ago in 2009, with further updates after that date, concluded that ‘water softeners are amongst the ‘very best’ household energy savers’. As a consequence of the study, the Water Quality Association – an independent body in the USA, is now promoting water softeners in the USA as ‘the best energy saving device you can buy’.

If your customers live in a hard water area – which is around 60% of the UK, especially in London and the south east, East Anglia and the Home Counties – they will already know about hard water. Scum in the kettle. Scaling up of showerheads, limescale marks in the sink and loo.

But if that’s what can be seen easily, imagine what damage is being done where you can’t see it, in heating systems, in washing machines and dishwashers, prime targets for hard water damage. Scale will also form around the heating coil and eventually fill a hot water cylinder. It’s estimated that the annual amount of hard water used by an average family of four contains a whopping 70kg of scale. Untreated limescale simply means wasting energy, wasting money and having to replace appliances and heating systems.

Tapworks new high capacity water softener will fit comfortably in a standard kitchen cabinet. The Infinity offers all the benefits associated with the leading Tapworks range of softeners and meets the needs of families where space is at a premium in their kitchens.

Chris Eaton heads up the water softener company here in the UK: “We’ve seen excellent take up of our leading AD11 unit and the smaller Ultra 9 unit, but we’ve been asked by installers to consider bringing a new, higher capacity unit – that will still fit in a kitchen cupboard – to the market and we’re happy to respond with the new Infinity model which is available from merchants now. It’s perfectly suited to busy, growing families and with its higher capacity offers a more efficient unit too. There’s now a Tapworks unit for every sized home in the UK including a one inch valve unit for larger homes needing higher flow rates.”

Contrary to what you might think, over the last few years when the economy has been difficult, sales of water softeners in the UK have remained remarkably buoyant. People have clearly recognised the issues relating to hard water in their homes and decided that softened water improves their lifestyle, but importantly also cuts their costs – their heating bills in particular and the costs of cleaning and washing, because softened water allows soaps, shampoos and detergents to work harder, so you need so much less of them. This new model will open the door to many more people looking to replace elderly water softeners or those looking to install a new softener in their home for the first time.

Just a 1.6mm build-up of scale on the inside of heating system surfaces can cause a 12% loss in heating efficiency in pipes, in radiators and on heat exchanger surfaces in boilers. Scale will also form around the heating coil and eventually fill a hot water cylinder.. The most welcome benefit for householders in the current economic climate, is that having softened water in the home can reduce heating bills significantly – 15% reductions in energy bills are commonplace, often more – and importantly, having a water softener installed will reduce maintenance costs on those appliances.

Full details of the Tapworks range can be found on the company’s excellent website at www.tapworks.co.uk or you can call for information on 01494 480 621.

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