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How UK building standards are reshaping piping systems
Part L and the push for
The 2022 updates to Part L of the Building Regulations marked a significant shift towards more energy-efficient buildings. The new standards demand a holistic approach to energy efficiency. It’s no longer just about a boiler or heat pump for example, an entire system must contribute to overall energy savings. For piping systems, this has meant a renewed focus on thermal performance. This push has led to innovations in piping materials and designs. Multi-layer piping systems, for instance, offer improved insulation properties compared to traditional materials. Systems like Geberit FlowFit combine the strength of aluminium with the insulation benefits of plastic, helping buildings meet the stringent U-value requirements set out in Part L. The aluminium layer helps to maintain the
thermal expansion rate to about 10% of that of a solid PE-RT pipe, with five times less expansion than PE-X and eight times less than polybutylene pipes. Furthermore, multi-layer piping is a poor heat conductor, with thermal conductivity of 0.43 W/mK. This means it loses around 800 times less heat than copper piping.
The Future Homes Standard
As the industry looks ahead to the Future Homes Standard in 2025, the pressure to innovate is intensifying. This standard aims to ensure new homes are future-proofed with low carbon heating and world-leading levels of energy efficiency. For piping manufacturers, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity. We’re seeing a shift towards more adaptable piping systems. The goal is to create pipes that can seamlessly integrate with various low-carbon technologies, from heat pumps to hydrogen-ready boilers.
This adaptability is crucial as the industry prepares for potential shifts in heating technologies. Multi-layer piping systems are well- positioned in this regard, offering the flexibility to work with a range of heating solutions while maintaining high energy efficiency.
Water conservation is another key focus of current and future regulations. Part G of the Building Regulations sets targets for water usage in new builds, and these are likely to become more stringent in the coming years. Piping systems are playing a crucial role in meeting these targets. It’s not just about low- flow fixtures anymore. The entire distribution system needs to be optimised to minimise waste and maximise efficiency.
Geberit FlowFit features flow-optimised fittings that allow for smaller diameters without sacrificing performance, reducing material use and freeing up space for other services. This approach not only conserves resources but also potentially reduces the overall environmental impact of construction projects.
As piping systems become more advanced to meet regulatory requirements, a new challenge has emerged: ensuring installers have the skills to work with these new technologies. There’s a significant skills gap in the industry. Many installers are trained on traditional systems and need upskilling or reskilling to work with newer, and possibly very different piping solutions. Manufacturers are stepping up to address this gap. Many, including Geberit with our Geberit FlowFit system, are offering comprehensive training programmes to installers. These programmes not only cover installation techniques but also provide crucial information on regulatory compliance.
Opting for multi-layer piping also brings obvious installation benefits, eliminating the need for hot works on site and speeding up installation times. However, multi-layer piping that harnesses press- fit technology, such as Geberit FlowFit, extends these benefits even further.
Geberit FlowFit fittings come in eight dimensions, and only two pressing jaws are required for the entire range. This approach eliminates the need for frequent tool changes. The fittings and jaws are colour-coded to indicate which tool should be used, aiming to provide an intuitive user experience. After pressing, an indicator detaches from the fitting,
allowing for easy identification of any unpressed joints. This not only saves time but does so without compromising the integrity of the installation, giving installers peace of mind.
Sustainability beyond energy
As the UK moves towards its net-zero carbon goals, regulations are beginning to look beyond operational energy efficiency to consider the entire lifecycle of building components. For piping systems, this means increased scrutiny of manufacturing processes, raw material sourcing, and end-of-life recyclability. We’re seeing a shift towards more holistic sustainability assessments. Regulators are starting to consider embodied carbon and circular economy principles when evaluating building systems.
This shift is driving innovation in material science and manufacturing processes. For example, Geberit FlowFit fittings come with protective caps for hygienic reasons, and also feature coloured pressing indicators. These plastic parts are often left on the construction site once work is complete and are then normally disposed of with the rest of the site waste. But they can be recycled, which is why Geberit offers installers the chance to return plastic parts such as pressing indicators and protective caps back into the manufacturing process. Collecting pressing indicators is particularly easy as they can be collected directly into a bag fastened to the pressing jaw during pressing. Additionally, Environmental Performance Declarations (EPD) are readily available from reputable manufacturers who provide open information to assist installers and specifiers in making informed material choices.
Preparing for future
As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, flexibility and adaptability will be key for both manufacturers and installers. The only certainty is change. The most successful players in the industry will be those who can anticipate and adapt to new standards quickly. For building services professionals, this means staying informed about regulatory trends and being open to new technologies and approaches. It also means thinking beyond current requirements to future-proof buildings against potential regulatory changes. As we navigate this complex regulatory maze, one thing is clear: piping systems are no longer just utilitarian components of our buildings. They are at the forefront of our efforts to create more sustainable, efficient, and healthy built environments. By embracing innovation and staying ahead of regulatory curves, the industry can ensure that the veins and arteries of our buildings are fit for the challenges of the 21st century and beyond.
www.geberit.co.uk 22 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER NOVEMBER 2024 Read the latest at:
www.bsee.co.uk
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