NEWS & APPOINTMENTS
Ground source heat pump scheme “transforming tenants’ lives” in Ashford
Residents in 74 homes are having their lives changed and bills reduced thanks to ground source heat pumps (GSHP) in Appledore and Charing. The £2.2m scheme is the first time that Ashford Borough Council has installed GSHP heating systems in its residential properties. The scheme is part of a bigger drive by the council to retrofit around 700 homes with energy- saving measures using Government funding of £5.1m. The money – from the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund Wave 2 – is bolstered by a £6.2m contribution from the council. Working with a delivery partner, improvements
already delivered over the past 18 months includes cavity wall insulation, external wall insulation, new windows and doors, under floor insulation, air source heat pumps and solar panels.
Cllr Noel Ovenden, Council Leader and Portfolio Holder for Housing, said: “These
measures will cut carbon emissions, help reduce energy demand and give residents more money in their pockets from cheaper energy bills. We’re working closely with our tenants to ensure they understand how the GSHP systems work and to recognise the tremendous benefits they will enjoy because of these exciting improvements. “Embracing ground source heat pump technology is an exciting first for Ashford
Borough Council and I’m confident it will transform tenants’ lives by boosting energy security, saving money and providing a warmer and more comfortable home for them to enjoy. “In addition to these life-changing benefits for tenants, the upgrades to our most energy-inefficient rural homes will help the council with our ambition to become a carbon neutral borough by 2030.”
Cabinet member for Climate Change, Cllr Steve Campkin, said: “We’ve been working
hard to reduce carbon emissions in a way that benefits people in very real ways, and the most direct way is low carbon heating in properly insulated homes. The move towards renewables and a carbon-free society has benefits above and beyond carbon reduction and makes sense regardless of climate change. I’m very excited about this project.” Work on installing the hi-tec systems involves drilling multiple bore holes to depths of
around 100 metres. The council is working with British GSHP specialist Kensa to deliver the project, which is due to be completed this summer. The ground source heat pumps are being fitted at homes in Heathside and Hawthorn in Appledore and Clearmount Drive in Charing, replacing a mix of oil-fired, electric and gas heating systems. Stuart Gadsden, commercial director at Kensa, said: “We’re excited to collaborate with
Ashford on this brilliant project, helping to decarbonise their properties while providing residents with a reliable, highly efficient low-carbon heating solution.
Polypipe Building Services exceeds recycled material target with factory investment
Polypipe Building Services (PBS) has exceeded its end-of-2024 sustainability target for recycled material use of 28%. The company has increased its recycled material use from 5% to 32% through investments in its manufacturing facility. This significant improvement supports PBS customers in achieving their net-zero goals across the supply chain, with some products now containing as much as 65% recycled material.
New extruders increase recycling capability and efficiency at Polypipe Building Services
PBS has invested in two new extrusion processes as well as factory manpower. This investment complements its other sustainability initiatives, such as its prefabrication service, which massively reduces on-site fabrication waste and enables smart scheduling to reduce delivery miles. Andy Martin, Manufacturing Director at Polypipe Building Services, said: “With two brand new extruders, we’re able to run both rework and post-consumer recycled material, increasing our recycling capability and efficiency. We also invested heavily in material handling to aid with the processing of recycled materials and optimise our processes.” “Extrusion line 2 was completely replaced along with a significant upgrade to our line 1. The key aim was to create a three-layer pipe with inner and outer skins made from virgin PVC, with the core between the skins comprised of recycled material, making up to 65% of the pipe’s material content. “In addition, we’ve built a new warehouse to ensure raw materials are kept in optimal condition ready for extrusion and have created a state-of-the-art laboratory to test raw materials to ensure they meet specification standards.” Customers also benefit from PBS’ on-site waste recycling scheme, which helps improve
net-zero goals for projects that fabricate systems on-site. The recycled materials are then processed at the factory and used in PBS products, improving the carbon footprint of construction projects and reducing the amount of waste plastic going to landfill. Martin continued: “Ensuring adequate supplies of acceptable quality recycled material was a challenge. Our in-house regrind was able to meet some of our needs but we had to go outside to meet the bulk of our requirement, the differences between these materials then adding complexity to our processes.”
Committed to supporting customers achieve sustainability goals, PBS will continue to invest in solutions aimed at reducing embedded carbon within its products. To find out more about Polypipe Building Services’ sustainability drive, visit https://www.
polypipe.com/sustain
4 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER JUNE 2025
Two appointments highlight BCIA’s drive for a better BEMS sector
Keen to further support its members and drive awareness of the importance of building energy management systems (BEMS) in the UK’s journey towards Net Zero, the Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) has appointed two experienced
specialists in its technical consultant and marketing & engagement manager roles. Both roles have been created by the BCIA to support members through the provision of technical content to increase knowledge and understanding of current and emerging technology, and ensure member engagement and retention through training administration and promotion.
Ciaran Kelly will join the BCIA as technical consultant, while the marketing & engagement manager role will be held by Rachael Zaidel Lamb. Having worked in the building controls industry for more than 14 years, Ciaran has expertise in technical support and training – with his varied roles taking him across the globe, from Dublin to Auckland, New Zealand. Ciaran said: “With the current focus on Net Zero and energy reduction, the spotlight has never shone so brightly on how our buildings operate. BEMS has a huge role to play in building operation and is often neglected and not performing optimally – so improving the system will deliver operational gains, decreasing energy consumption and enhancing user experience.
As an experienced chartered marketer with more than a decade of experience in marketing and events management, Rachael brings with her expertise in B2B marketing and is familiar working with, and supporting, SMEs.
Rachael said: “It’s so exciting to have the opportunity to support the growth of this industry and to be able to meet the range of BCIA members. “The work BCIA does is crucial because it gives the building controls industry a strong, authoritative voice and works tirelessly to highlight just how vital building controls really are. As the BEMS industry continues to grow, I think having a unified voice will be more important than ever.”
Conex Bänninger appoints regional technical sales manager to drive growth In Scotland
Conex Bänninger has strengthened in Scotland with the appointment of Derek Sinclair as regional technical sales manager, in a strategic step to advance its presence and to support new sustainable business development. Derek brings over 18 years of senior-level experience gained within the plumbing and heating sector and his extensive market knowledge positions him perfectly to support customers and grow the brand’s footprint across Scotland.
He said: “This is an important time for the Scottish market, with significant opportunities to expand our presence – especially in areas like Edinburgh’s East side, where there’s a surge in commercial developments, rebuilds, and renovation projects. My aim is to build strong relationships with customers of all types and ensure that they have support when choosing the right solutions from our innovative product range.” Martin Smith, business unit director – UK and Ireland, welcomed the appointment:
“Derek joins Conex Bänninger at a time of ambitious growth. His wealth of experience, industry know-how, and deep network of contacts make him a key addition to the team. Scotland is very important to us, and Derek is perfectly placed to drive us forward.”
Read the latest at:
www.bsee.co.uk Appointments
David Cooper MBE announced as CIBSE President Elect for 2025/26
CIBSE has announced David Cooper MBE as its President Elect for the 2025/26 term. A distinguished engineer with over 40 years of experience in the lift and escalator industry, David brings unparalleled expertise and leadership to CIBSE, advancing its mission to champion safe, sustainable and high-performing built environments. David began his career as an apprentice with the British Railways Board before joining KONE, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of lifts and escalators, where he rose to the role of Regional Safety Manager. His experience expanded further as an engineer surveyor with Royal Insurance UK, conducting statutory inspections, commissioning oversight and training new engineer surveyors.
As chief executive of LECS (UK), David has led the company to become a prominent consultancy in the lift and escalator sector. He has directed numerous award-winning projects worldwide, including the Emirates Cable Car in London, the Mecca Metro, and the Hastings Cliff Railway. His portfolio spans lifts, escalators, passenger walkways, façade access systems and cable cars, showcasing his broad expertise in design, installation, modernisation, safety and project management. “Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about driving innovation and safety in the lift and escalator industry, while mentoring the next generation of engineers. I’m deeply honoured to step into the role of President Elect and look forward to working with CIBSE to support the industry’s evolution towards net zero and excellence in the built environment” said David Cooper MBE.
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