NEWS
Considered approach needed to address humidity threat to construction projects from latest storms
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ith the opening days of 2024 seeing widespread flooding across Europe, temporary power and temperature control solutions provider, Aggreko, is raising awareness within the construction industry of the risks to
projects posed by high humidity and advocating a strategic approach to dehumidification. Using the wrong equipment could lead to potential long-
term issues for construction projects, with Aggreko advising that solely relying on heaters to dry sites could cause issues, as flooding continues to worsen across the UK and Europe. A series of bad weather systems battered the UK in January continuing a long-term trend. According to the Met Office, the period between 1991 to 2020 was an average 1.75% wetter than the period 1981-2010 and 7% wetter than 1961-1990 for the UK overall, which shows that the issue of increased rainfall is only getting worse.
The European Union recently published figures showing that over 14,000 areas across its member states are at significant risk of flooding, amid a year that has seen widespread disruption. This inclement weather can cause problems for construction sites, especially with the issue of humidity which can cause irreparable damage to critical assets, particularly when there is excess rainfall. According to moisture control experts at Aggreko, relative humidity on construction sites should be kept within an optimal range of 40-60%. Dehumidification systems help to reduce humidity, meaning that these issues can be eliminated before they cause problems and bring delays. Relying on heating systems, which are less effective at reducing humidity levels, can cause more damage to building materials and structures. This potentially can lead to issues such as increased mould growth, creating a deceptive sense of dryness and increased condensation. Tom Adlington, building services & construction sector sales
manager at Aggreko UK & Ireland said: “Flooding, such as that seen over the new year, has the potential to cause time delays and budget problems for a construction
site. Which is why it’s imperative the right approach to dehumidification is taken.
“Heat alone cannot sufficiently dehumidify a site, which is why we advocate for a combined solution. This incorporates various technologies, including industrial dehumidifiers, to provide heat, air movement and moisture removal. Combining products such as power, dehumidification and heating can help create a complete solution that reduces project costs without compromising on reliability.
Distech Controls expands UK operations following sustained growth
istech Controls, a specialist in connecting people with intelligent building solutions, is making significant investments to its UK business following sustained growth. The company is opening a new, modern office space in Bourne End, Buckinghamshire, as well as welcoming two new employees to the team. Distech Controls will be running a full, face-to-face training
programme at the contemporary facility with its team of trainers delivering high quality, hands-on and practical training.
“Distech Controls has always been dedicated to pushing boundaries and achieving excellence,” comments Simon Ward, director of sales – UK &. “This new office represents the next step in our journey to better serve our customers and provide a hub for our exceptional training programme.” As part of Distech Controls’ continued plans for growth, the company has appointed Joe Barrett as the new regional sales manager while Gareth West joins the team as training & technical support.
Gripple achieves carbon neutrality across its UK operations
G • Up to 70°C Hot Water
• High TER 7.75* *W45 A7 / W7 A35
Read the latest at:
www.bsee.co.uk Swegon qp BSEE
Dec23.indd 1
ripple, the manufacturer of suspension solutions for construction, has released its 2022 Sustainability Progress Report which outlines how it has achieved its first
sustainability goal: carbon neutral across its UK operations.
This means that Gripple, through dedicated
efforts across its UK business, has managed to achieve emission reduction targets, supplemented with sustainable offsetting to deliver no net impact on the environment, as certified by Planet Mark and in accordance with PAS2060:2014. The firm has also reduced its electricity usage
from the national grid in 2022, compared to the previous year by four per cent, despite
adding a new manufacturing site to its UK operations in 2022. Tasha Lyth, sustainability manager, said: “Carbon neutral for our UK operations is an important milestone on our journey to climate positivity and it also paves the way for our other manufacturing facilities across the world to do the same. We are extremely proud to have achieved this goal.”
OMICRON Zero • Eurovent certified performance
• First air-source simultaneous heating & cooling unit using R290 as a near zero GWP, natural refrigerant solution
10/11/23 16:13 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER FEBRUARY 2024 5
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