INDUSTRY NEWS
ICOM LAUNCHES UPDATED GUIDE TO COMMERCIAL HOT WATER SYSTEM WATER TREATMENT
T
he Industrial and Commercial Heating Equipment Association (ICOM) has updated its comprehensive guide, ‘Water Quality
Considerations of Domestic Hot Water Systems for Commercial Applications’, providing best practice guidance for the design, commissioning and maintenance of commercial hot water systems. Developed in collaboration with leading manufacturers and water treatment specialists, the guide addresses one of the most critical yet often overlooked aspects of system performance: water quality. It off ers clear, practical advice on managing scale, corrosion and biofouling. These are key issues that can signifi cantly impact effi ciency, reliability and operational costs if left untreated. Energy effi ciency, system longevity and compliance with health and safety legislation are under increasing scrutiny across the built environment. By helping specifi ers, contractors and facilities managers better understand the relationship between water quality and system performance, the guide aims to drive improved standards across the industry. Covering everything from initial water analysis and treatment selection
through to commissioning, monitoring and ongoing maintenance, the document is designed to be accessible to both technical specialists and those with limited knowledge of water treatment chemistry. Steve McConnell, Director at ICOM, commented: “Water treatment is fundamental to the safe and effi cient operation of commercial hot water systems, yet it is too often underestimated. This guide has been developed to support the industry in adopting a more informed and proactive approach, helping to reduce energy waste, extend equipment life and maintain system integrity.”
The guide also reinforces the importance of engaging competent water
treatment professionals and adhering to relevant regulations and guidance, including those relating to Legionella control and water safety. The relaunched guide is available to download free of charge from the ICOM at
https://www.icom.org.uk/resources/industry-guides
TM44 ALLIANCE LAUNCHES AS HEATWAVES SPOTLIGHT HOTEL AIR CONDITIONING LEGAL RISK
G
reengage Solutions, Mission Net Zero and Sustainable Hotel Buyer have joined forces to launch the TM44 Alliance, an
initiative dedicated to helping hotels, venues, leisure and retail businesses understand and manage their obligations. The Alliance is a response to concern that organisations remain unaware of one of the hospitality sector’s most overlooked legal compliance requirements. TM44 air conditioning inspections are a legal requirement for qualifying
systems and must be renewed every fi ve years. Businesses without a valid inspection may be exposed to enforcement action by Trading Standards, fi nancial
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penalties and reputational damage. As TM44 certifi cates are publicly recorded on the Government register, maintaining compliance is increasingly recognised as part of good governance and responsible asset management. Beyond compliance, TM44 inspections also provide practical recommendations
to improve energy effi ciency, reduce operating costs and support longer-term sustainability goals. Andrew Perolls, chief executive of Greengage Solutions, said: “Through
Greengage’s work with UK hotels, we can see awareness of TM44 remains worryingly low. Many organisations don’t realise they’re no longer compliant until they check their records. The new TM44 Alliance simplifi es compliance, provides trusted guidance and helps businesses improve building performance. Simon Catterick, founder of Mission Net Zero and Chair of the TM44 Alliance, added: “Following another summer of exceptionally high temperatures, the launch comes as hotels and venues become increasingly reliant on air conditioning to maintain guest comfort, making the effi cient operation and legal compliance of these systems more important than ever.” Industry experience suggests awareness of TM44 obligations remains low
across the hospitality sector, leaving many organisations at risk of unknowingly falling out of compliance. Darren Dorrington, founder of Sustainable Hotel Buyer and vice chair of
the TM44 Alliance, concluded: “If businesses actively investing in ESG are unknowingly falling outside compliance, it suggests this is a wider industry issue. Our aim is to improve awareness before enforcement becomes a reality.” The TM44 Alliance provides a single point of access to accredited TM44 assessors, compliance guidance and ongoing support for organisations managing one site or nationwide property portfolios. Its website enables organisations to check whether their properties have a valid TM44 inspection, understand their legal obligations and connect with qualifi ed assessors across the UK.
29/9/26 12:28
6 October 2026
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