Buildingtalk newsletter issue 285

The week's top stories from Buildingtalk - Issue 285

Written by the Buildingtalk editor Feb 8, 2010

Passing through the city of London yesterday, I was tempted to join hundreds of charity fundraisers who racing up the 1,037 steps inside one of London's most iconic buildings, 30 St Mary Axe, known as the Gherkin. They were aiming to raise GBP125k for the NSPCC's Child's Voice Appeal. I decided against running up the 38 floors after taking medical advice from my wife who said 'don't be ridiculous, I'm not spending my Sunday at A and E'.

So we contented ourselves with a good look round this great building designed by Lord Foster. The Gherkin, opened in 2004, uses half the energy typically required by an office block. The building is designed to maximise daylight penetration and wind pressure differentials generated by the building's aerodynamic form assist with natural ventilation through the light wells, reducing the requirement for conventional air conditioning. Blind's located within the cavity of the ventilated double skin facade controls solar gain depending on the requirement for heating or cooling. All this, and great panoramic views of London too.

Talking of improving energy performance, I have included a story about the new low cost VPhase unit that reduces and stabilises the incoming voltage to homes and manages it to a stable level, normally 220V in the UK. The result is considerable reductions to electricity costs, reduced wasted energy and lower carbon emissions. This is being tested by a major social housing provider to see if it helps them meet stringent carbon reduction targets. It should also help social housing become even more affordable by reducing emissions and energy bills. You can follow the link below to find out more or go along to the Ecobuild show to see the unit close-up.

Worcester Bosch wrote to Buildingtalk after the Government recently launched the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) consultation. The RHI is designed to encourage householders to install renewable technologies to generate domestic heat. Neil Schofield, head of sustainable development at Worcester Bosch voiced concerns that a key provision of the RHI will be that both installers and equipment must be certified under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme and the scheme could be affected by regulatory red tape, discouraging installers from going green. If you have a view, do let us know. However, let's hope the Government listen for a change. We certainly want to avoid the fiasco of the Home Information Packs for estate agents which we all warned was going to be a wasted opportunity.

We have news of a new date for the UK's first Green Building Maintenance Conference which was postponed in January because of all the snow. It has now been rescheduled for Thursday 15 April 2010, at the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff. More details via the NHIC story below.

I hope you find this issue of our weekly newsletter useful. Next week Buildingtalk launches a new 'html' version, complete with photos, video links and much more. My thanks to all who have written to suggest improvements, many of which we have incorporated into the new look newsletter. Your further feedback is welcome. Send your comments or suggestions about the website, or the newsletter, by email to news@buildingtalk.com

Finally, in addition to the new products, news and ideas featured here, there are hundreds more on our website and dozens more being added daily, so do take a look if you can. On the home page of the website there is also a special Buildingtalk VIDEO about Ecobuild 2010 where I provide a preview of the show. You can also judge for yourself whether I look like I could have made it to the top of the Gherkin yesterday.

Top Products featured this issue

[1] VPHASE DEVICE TRIALS IN SOCIAL HOUSING SECTOR

(VPhase, 02 Feb 2010)

VPhase has signed an agreement with a North West Housing Association to trial its new voltage optimisation device. The trial will see the low cost VPhase unit installed in a number of tenants' homes to monitor its ease of installation, and to independently measure its energy and carbon saving capability.

[2] LAFARGE PLASTERBOARD EXPANDS ITS AQUA BOARD RANGE

(Lafarge Plasterboard, 04 Feb 2010)

Lafarge Plasterboard has expanded its GTEC Aqua Board range for use in wet or high humidity applications. Used as an alternative to cement particle boards, Aqua Board offers a number of advantages over traditional materials.

[3] PROCTER'S CAST STONE GUIDE FOR SELF-BUILDERS

(Procter Caststone, 08 Feb 2010)

Procter Caststone is publishing a free guide to cast stone to meet the needs of people embarking on self-build projects. 'The Self-Builder's Guide to Cast Stone' explains what this versatile construction material can be used for, how it is manufactured and how easy it is to work with in terms of design and installation.

[4] FLOWCRETE INTRODUCES FLOORING FOR RAILWAY INDUSTRY

(Flowcrete Group, 03 Feb 2010)

Flowcrete is launching Flowfast Rapid Transit at Infrarail, its innovative range specifically developed to transform railway environments. Flowfast Rapid Transit is a seamless acrylic resin system developed for use in underground rail networks where they are being used to designate the platform edge, or the top and base of stairwells.

[5] HIGH VELOCITY AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM FROM UNICO

(Unico System, 05 Feb 2010)

Unico's ICC-ES PMG listed high velocity air system features heating and air conditioning ducts that are one quarter standard size. The custom system offers greater efficiency and comfort, and can be zoned, offering even greater energy savings.

[6] JOHNSON AND STARLEY COMPLETE VENTILATION SYSTEMS

(Johnson and Starley, 01 Feb 2010)

Johnson and Starley has more than 25 years experience in ventilation solutions including detailed system designs, technical drawings, and after sales service. The high levels of insulation and modern construction standards used in the new build residential properties of today, means they are more tightly sealed than even a few years ago. Johnson and Starley's approach can ensure compliance with regulations when specifying ventilation systems.

[7] ALUMASC ENABLES GREEN ROOF SPACE AT RIVER QUARTER

(Alumasc Exterior Building Products, 03 Feb 2010)

A ZinCo green roof system from Alumasc has created a roof top retreat for residents of a new development of flats and leisure facilities in Sunderland. The green roof was installed over Hydrotech MM6125 structural waterproofing, also from Alumasc. Hydrotech is the first choice for BBA Approved waterproofing on inverted green roofs and hard landscaped podium structures in new build applications.

[8] THE GREEN BUILDING MAINTENANCE CONFERENCE

(National Home Improvement Council [NHIC], 08 Feb 2010)

The UK's first Green Building Maintenance Conference, hosted by UWIC and the Chartered Institute of Building, will focus on potential climate change problems as a result of green home improvements. The bad weather conditions of early January means the Green Maintenance Conference has now been rescheduled for Thursday 15 April 2010, at the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff.

[9] WORCESTER BOSCH WELCOMES RENEWABLE HEAT INCENTIVE

(Worcester Bosch Group, 03 Feb 2010)

The recently launched Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) consultation has been welcomed by Worcester Bosch. A key provision of the RHI will be that both installers and equipment must be certified under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme. However, there are fears too much regulatory red tape has the potential to derail the entire scheme.

[10] CIRIA'S 2010 ENVIRONMENTAL TRAINING COURSES

(CIRIA, 03 Feb 2010)

CIRIA has announced a high quality training programme across the UK for 2010; Environmental good practice on site being the most anticipated. This CPD accredited course will help delegates to understand the implications of updated environmental legislation.

Not what you're looking for? Search the site.

Howard Chapman

Buildingtalk editor

Request your free weekly copy of the Buildingtalk email newsletter ...

Browse by category

All suppliers A - Z

In association with...