52 APPOINTMENTS & NEWS; BUILDING FABRIC ‘Fabric First’ principles should be applied to water usage H
istorically, the environmental impact of water usage has been largely ignored. However recent environmental concerns
and energy costs have highlighted the link between water and the environment. The recent surges in energy prices have focused attention on the cost. Heidi Mottram, CEO, Northumbrian Water
highlighted the fact that on average 25% of energy used in the home is to heat water. Whilst water effi cient appliances, i.e.
dishwashers and washing machines, can reduce domestic water and energy usage, much of this hot water used in ‘time critical’ usage e.g. taking a shower or running the tap to rinse dishes. To date, much of the water industry’s focus has been on adapting customer behaviour. However, Britain’s grey sky and regular rainfall makes it harder to embed behaviour change. A change in the ‘fabric’ of the water network may be the solution. Our water companies are regulated to
provide a minimum standard of pressure and fl ow of water, but in many areas due to network structure and gravity fed systems supply is much greater. So, run a hose for fi ve minutes at the bottom of the hill, and your lawn will be greener than the gardener that does the same at the top. These ‘time controlled’ uses could be reduced if all households received the same acceptable, ‘standardised’ supply. Groundbreaker’s NRv2 LoFlo is a surprisingly simple method of working towards current water usage reduction targets. NRv2 LoFlo regulates the level of fl ow entering customer premises – regardless of network pressure, meaning a reduction in the level of water used by customers when ‘variable use’ appliances are used. As the fl ow of water into the premises is limited, then the amount used by the customer is also limited – but without providing a degradation of service, and more importantly not requiring any intervention or behavioural change on the part of the customer, leading to
Vent-Axia and AO Win Award
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Vent-Axia, and AO are celebrating winning the prestigious BEAMA Net Zero Collaboration Award. Recognising outstanding partnerships that contribute to advancing Net Zero, sustainability, and circularity within the electrical industry, the companies scooped the accolade for their pioneering initiative
transforming AO’s recycled fridge plastic into high-quality Vent-Axia ventilation products. This innovative partnership, recognised on 27 November at the BEAMA Annual Lunch in London, represents a significant step in sustainable UK manufacturing. Vent-Axia aims to be Net Zero by 2040, a decade ahead of the Government’s target.
0344 856 0590
www.vent-axia.com
‘natural’ reduction in per capital consumption. The NRv2 LoFlo can be easily and simply
fi tted to any meter installation or retrofi tted on meter exchange or when upgrading or remediating underground meter chambers. Thus, allowing water providers to manage demand with little or no impact on consumers and at minimal cost to the water undertakers. ‘A simple solution at approximately £20 per household, fi tted on the normal meter exchange/upgrade cycle could achieve in excess of 20% of consumption reduction targets in 10 years.’
A number of fl ow modulation ranges are
available which enable the perfect balance between usage reduction and service provision. As an added benefi t, the NRv2 LoFlo can also provide whole site protection against contamination by back fl ow – eff ectively a three in one solution.
01379 741993
www.groundbreaker.co.uk James Hardie launches ‘Toolbox Talks’ service 02/01/2025 14:03
James Hardie has launched a new ‘Toolbox Talks’ service to provide builders and homeowners with essential installation knowledge across its product portfolio. Two new Technical Support Specialists have been appointed to deliver the service. Mitchell Pearson will support clients in the South West and South East. He joins
from Persimmon Homes where he was Site Manager and brings with him extensive project management and construction experience. Andrew Coote will be responsible for clients in the Midlands, North of England and Scotland. He has worked at James Hardie as a Channel Manager for two years and has an excellent understanding of the full product range.
0121 311 3480
www.jameshardie.co.uk BD12_Vent-Axia_Appointments &
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Swish Building Products unveils NatureClad 13/12/2024 13:45
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Swish Building Products has unveiled the latest addition to its already extensive cladding range, NatureClad, a high- definition, wood effect PVC external cladding system. This new collection is available in Double Shiplap and Double Feather Edge profiles in board lengths of 5 or 6 metres. NatureClad is extremely versatile and can be used in numerous ways, from new build homes and RMI (repairs, maintenance, and improvement) projects to garden rooms, caravans, lodges, and holiday homes. NatureClad’s authentic high-definition woodgrain texture has been achieved using premium wood effect foils which guarantee consistency in finish, negating the need for batch matching. Its super-matt surface is available in five contemporary wood tones; Morning Dew Silver, a light grey; Cumulus Grey, a mid-grey tone; Chimenea Charcoal, a dark grey; Coastal Sand, a nature inspired light brown; and Rich Espresso, a dark brown. The range also features matching trims and joints, resulting in a seamless, cohesive finish. NatureClad has been specially designed to combine both style and substance. It’s PVDF layer and low surface tension provide greater resistance against dirt and chemicals, resulting in a durable, long lasting cladding system. In addition, NatureClad is lightweight, quick to install, and extremely low-maintenance, making it the ideal for installers and property owners alike.
01827 317200
www.swishbp.co.uk/natureclad
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WWW.HBDONLINE.CO.UK
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