BSEE


Queen’s Speech good for construction, but misses mark on late payment, says BESA


T he Building


Engineering Services Association (BESA) has welcomed several positive initiatives for the construction industry announced by Her Majesty The Queen as part of the government’s proposed legislative agenda for the new parliamentary session. However, the association expressed deep


disappointment that a bill to enact essential reforms to end poor payment practices in the


construction industry was not included in the Queen’s Speech. BESA praised the


commitment to legislate for new building regulations, which includes action on building standards in the wake of the Grenfell Tower


fire. It also welcomed the establishment of a new regulator with powers to impose criminal sanctions for breaches of building regulations. BESA CEO, David Frise, said: “If done right and in close consultation with the industry, the proposed new building regulation regime could cement a better culture of competence and compliance within the industry, and crucially, save lives.”


The speech also proposed an Environment Bill, which would set much needed, legally binding targets to reduce outdoor air pollution, but BESA noted the lack of action on indoor air quality. “We spend 90 per cent of our time indoors so it’s essential more support is given to making sure our


buildings are safe havens from outdoor air pollution,” said Frise.


“Indoor air is often at least five times more polluted than outdoor air due to the range of sources and greater concentrations in confined spaces, this is a point that successive governments have failed to grasp.” However, Frise was


sceptical about whether the government will be able to deliver this programme: “The government has lost its parliamentary majority and is clearly focused on a general election. We would certainly like these initiatives to pass, but the real question is, will it even happen?”


The Queen’s Speech was also disappointingly silent on one of the most important issues for SMEs in the construction industry –


NEWS


Mitsubishi Electric opens new London office to support growing demand for energy efficient buildings


uDavid Frise, BESA CEO


ending late payment and the abuse of retentions money responsible for devastating upstream insolvencies, like those seen after the Carillion collapse.


BEAMA launches new campaign focused on creating a fit for purpose supply chain for critical national infrastructure


EAMA, the UK association for manufacturers and providers of energy infrastructure, has launched a political campaign to highlight how industry and government need to work together to create a fit for purpose supply chain for UK critical national infrastructure.


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The UK has ambitious proposals to de- carbonise the energy system by 2050, with specific focus on transforming our system infrastructure into a smart, low carbon electricity system. These plans will facilitate the delivery of a smarter grid, enable the UK to meet carbon targets and allow the decarbonisation of energy, transport and in the longer- term heat.


In order to deliver these plans, the role of an improved electricity network is vital. The network has an important role to play in facilitating faster


decarbonisation, technology adoption and enhanced customer experiences and savings.


To help enable these plans, in September, BEAMA member companies signed an industry commitment to the UK Net Zero by 2050 target. The association is now calling for: Government and Ofgem to work with industry to develop clear supply chain strategies and recognise the importance of the UK supply chain. Government and Ofgem to provide certainty for investment, industry and supply chain. An open call for solutions


for the highest priority issues for network development, with a neutral body announcing the winning bids. Government and Ofgem to create an environment where successful innovation is promoted, scaled and appropriately rewarded.


Dr Howard Porter, BEAMA CEO, said: “BEAMA is ready and able to share our solutions and expertise with the government to help deliver on UK de-carbonisation plans and to ensure the future delivery of green clean electricity. We look forward to engaging and working with government and key political stakeholders in the coming months.”


office and a specialist team dedicated to delivering energy efficient HVAC solutions in the capital. The office, located at Sustainable Bankside II in Southwark, demonstrates Mitsubishi Electric’s commitment to supporting the growing construction market in London and is specifically aimed at bolstering its consultative offering. “There are over 500 towers planned or under


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construction in the next few years across the capital,” explains Rob Bowden, London business manager at Mitsubishi Electric, who is heading up the new team. “Combined with an increase in mixed-use buildings and carbon reduction targets,


consultants and businesses need support to engineer the best solution whilst being


itsubishi Electric has launched a new London


mindful of increasingly stringent legislation.” Bowden’s team is geared to help customers and partners with matters relating to legislation, regulations and sustainable building practices, as well as sharing the latest innovations in cooling, heating, ventilation and smart controls integration for buildings in and around the capital. “We look to partner with companies that share our high standards and service levels by providing engineered solutions to reduce carbon and energy within the built


environment,” said Ben Clover, director at The Interior Works. “Rob and his team not only know the London market, they are also very knowledgeable about the construction industry, the legislation that drives it and the sustainable solutions that help to deliver a more energy efficient built environment.”


Spirotech develops bespoke range in partnership with Grundfos Pumps


Warehouse has been recognised for its commitment to the environment by being shortlisted for a prestigious national award. The leading builders merchant is one of seven companies and


organisations shortlisted for the Lighting Energy Impact category at the Energy Awards. Selco caught the eye of the judges after undertaking a major project to fit its entire branch network with high- tech LED lighting. More than half of the branches have already completed the change, and those which haven’t will be making the switch in the coming months to complete the ambitious LED lighting refit programme. The impact of Selco moving to LED has already been eye-catching, with the


Selco shortlisted for national energy award S S


elco Builders


pirotech has forged a partnership with Grundfos that will enable this leading pump manufacturer to offer a bespoke range of fluid conditioning systems specially developed for larger commercial projects. In particular, the new offering includes a SpiroPress atmospheric spill expansion range with a Category 5 break tank. This means that specifiers and facilities managers no longer need to rely on RPZ valves for backflow prevention. Spirotech has re-


engineered the SpiroPress to offer six advanced


pressurisation units, brought to market by Grundfos as the PHP A series.


investment resulting in the saving of almost 69 tonnes of carbon per store every year. Scaled over all 66 branches, that represents the


equivalent of almost 200,000 trees, or 89 football pitches full of trees.


Carine Jessamine,


marketing director of Selco Builders Warehouse, said: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted for what are the biggest awards of their kind in the UK.


“The LED refit programme is 4 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER NOVEMBER 2019


a huge undertaking and requires a significant financial investment, but we are committed to


maximising our sustainability as a business and utilising the best environmental solution possible.”


The series combines a balanced pressure system with an effective pressure step deaerator function and an inter-link to a top-up pressurisation unit.


It is being promoted as ‘an ideal solution for large or tall installations where standard


uKevan Peaker, Spirotech UK business unit director


diaphragm expansion equipment is limited’. Spirotech UK business unit director, Kevan Peaker, said: “This is an exciting


partnership that brings two great brands together, the result of which is the development of this exclusive, enhanced product range that is already gaining attention in the market.”


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