NEWS New guide targets hot water options in healthcare H T
eating and hot water solutions provider Baxi has launched a new guide outlining the available opportunities to reduce the carbon intensity of domestic hot water generation in hospitals and healthcare facilities. Entitled Hospitals, healthcare facilities and the
low-carbon hot water challenge, the new report discusses:
• the specific considerations for domestic hot water provision in hygiene-critical environments
• the latest technologies and approaches available to achieve more efficient hot water generation in these buildings
• the design options for improved efficiency at various stages on the decarbonisation pathway
• achievable solutions to help deliver NHS sustainability goals
As part of its commitment to tackling climate change, the NHS has set ambitious targets for reaching Net Zero from its directly controlled emissions by 2040, and the emissions
it can influence by 2045. In so doing, it aims to become the world’s first Net Zero national health service. Reducing carbon emissions from hot water generation, the focus of the new Baxi guide, is one of the areas identified for achieving this target. Rob Erwood, commercial sales and specification director at Baxi, said: “The sheer scale of the NHS estate, the enormous diversity of hot water distribution systems in hospital and healthcare facilities, and the critical need to prevent the risk of bacterial build-up, makes low-carbon hot water a complex challenge. Our new guide aims to set out the achievable options to achieve more sustainable, energy- efficient and sanitary hot water generation at every stage of the decarbonisation process – from increased energy efficiency and hybrid solutions to the ultimate goal of an all- electric approach.” Hospitals, healthcare facilities and the low-carbon hot water challenge is available now for free download. Visit:
https://www.baxi.co.uk/landing-pages/knowledge-centre/ hospitals-healthcare-buildings-and-the-low-carbon-hot- water-challenge.
The Building Safety Act will not create two models, says BESA
he construction industry will not be able to operate a two-track system under new building safety legislation, according to the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA). The early focus of the Building Safety Act is on higher-risk buildings (HRBs) which are primarily high-
rise multi-use and residential, but this does not mean all other work can carry on as before, the Association warned. Following the first meeting of BESA’s newly formed Building Safety Act Advisory Group (BSAAG), members agreed that the requirements of the legislation would transform all aspects of project delivery and business management. And, while Tier One contractors are leading the process of change, they will expect all members of their project supply chains to adopt new ways of working. “This is transformational legislation that will impact everyone working in building services engineering,” said the group’s chair Nick Mead. “The Regulator’s eye is now firmly fixed on HRBs but that does not mean we can ignore the implications for other projects. “The Act has already led to fundamental changes to other
regulatory standards including Approved Document B, which applies to all projects, and there are a lot more to come. It is also influencing competency requirements across the board, so this is not something that anyone can avoid whether they work on HRBs or not.”
Step up
Mead, who is technical director of MEICA Systems at Laing O’Rourke, said: “No construction business could possibly
consider trying to operate two delivery models,” he said. “And why would we? These new rules have been put in place to address decades old safety and quality problems, so it is in all our interests to comply and drive much needed culture change across the whole industry.” The advisory group was established by BESA’s new director of specialist knowledge Rachel Davidson to agree priorities for the building services contracting sector and help the Association create focused guidance to help firms of all sizes adapt to the new requirements. “It was clear from our first meeting that there is an urgent need to simplify information around the Act,” said Davidson. “There is a danger that some firms will be tempted to ignore the legislation unless they can access simple guidance which is directly relevant to them and their roles within project teams. “The group were also very clear that they want to see better collaboration across the industry, particularly between trade and professional bodies so we can ensure the advice and guidance we provide is fit for purpose and up to date.” The Regulator will be paying particular attention to technical and professional competence to ensure work can be completed in compliance with the Building Regulations – and this will mean contractors will have to provide considerably more evidence of both individual and organisational competence than they have previously, Davidson said.
She added that the Regulator had already indicated it expected the industry to “own its responsibilities” by driving improvements in the competency culture. Tier Ones, in
particular, will be expected to use their procurement processes to embed culture change in their supply chains. Contractors of all sizes should also prepare themselves for significant changes to contract terms that reflect the new responsibilities defined by the Act, and the group advised that firms may need to take legal and commercial advice. Facilities managers will also play a crucial role because of the clear implications for the ongoing safe operation of buildings, which should have already been addressed by the time projects are handed over.
“All of us must get into the mindset that this is about any building not just high-rise,” said Mead, who is also a former CIBSE President. “BESA is in a strong position to bring all the relevant information together, and make sure this does not become intimidating for the smaller firms.
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10/11/23 16:13 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER JANUARY 2024 5
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