Absolar solar panels installed at Bexhill's De La Warr Pavilion

Commercial solar company Absolar has completed the installation of 144 lightweight solar panels at the Grade I-listed De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex, as part of the venue's 'An Icon For Everyone' redevelopment project. Installed on the auditorium roof, the 77.7kWp system is expected to generate around 71,570kWh of electricity each year, meeting approximately 20% of the building's annual electricity demand. According to Absolar, this is the first UK installation of this lightweight solar panel model used for the project. Weighing 7.2kg/m², the panels were selected to suit the pavilion's original steel roof structure while preserving capacity for future building upgrades. The installation also includes GoodWe inverters, which have been integrated with the building's existing electrical infrastructure and are compatible with future battery storage. Balancing heritage with energy generation The De La Warr Pavilion was designed by architect Erich Mendelsohn and structural engineer Felix Samuely. As a Grade I-listed building, the project required a system that could be installed without placing excessive loads on the original structure. Absolar says the system combines lightweight construction with high energy generation and manufacturer warranties, allowing the building to improve its energy performance while maintaining its historic fabric. The company estimates the installation will reduce carbon emissions by around 18 tonnes each year. Stewart Drew, CEO and Director of the De La Warr Pavilion, comments, "As we celebrate the 90th year of the De La Warr Pavilion, I couldn't be prouder to see these solar panels being installed. "It's a milestone moment and one that reflects our ongoing dedication to environmental sustainability, strengthening the long-term resilience of the building and reducing its operational impact on the environment. "These super-lightweight panels are the first of their kind to be installed in the UK and have been carefully chosen to be sympathetic to the existing roof, preserving the integrity of this Grade I-listed, modernist landmark." Kathryn Field, Portfolio Holder for Environment at Rother District Council, adds, "We are delighted that the solar panels are being installed at the De La Warr Pavilion. "This funding has enabled a major investment in environmental sustainability which will greatly reduce the Pavilion's carbon footprint." Part of a wider redevelopment programme The solar installation has been funded through Rother District Council's Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Climate Emergency Bonus Fund and forms part of the pavilion's An Icon For Everyone transformation project. The wider programme includes new learning and community spaces, refurbishment of the auditorium and galleries, accessibility improvements, and measures to improve the building's environmental performance. Phil Wu, CEO of Absolar, says, "It's been a real honour to be part of this project, as the De La Warr Pavilion is such a community asset, steeped in history and loved by the people of Bexhill. We were determined to find a solution that protects and preserves it for the next 90 years and beyond. "As a listed building used daily by artists and the wider community, we approached this as much as an art project as an engineering one. "Absolar chose modern solar panels, which are lightweight yet don't compromise on performance. This means we fully respect the building's original structure while securing its energy future. "We're proud to be part of its journey, helping make it both structurally sound and environmentally ready for the next century."

TRILUX provides lighting for Oxford humanities centre

TRILUX, a manufacturer of professional lighting systems, has supplied 6,691 luminaires for the Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities at the University of Oxford, providing lighting across teaching, performance, library, and public spaces. Located within Oxford's Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, the centre brings together teaching, research, performance, and public engagement facilities within a single building. Designed by Hopkins Architects, with Max Fordham acting as M&E engineers and lighting designers, the project is the largest single building development undertaken by the University of Oxford. TRILUX supplied general, architectural, and emergency lighting throughout the 25,000m² Passivhaus-certified building. Tailored lighting for a diverse environment The centre incorporates a range of spaces, including academic facilities, performance venues, libraries, and public areas, requiring different lighting approaches throughout the building. Key areas such as the main entrance, Great Hall, and concert venue required integrated architectural lighting, while teaching rooms, circulation spaces, and study areas called for functional and efficient illumination. Wireless lighting controls have been implemented across the site, with Bluetooth-enabled luminaires supporting zoning, scene setting, and lighting adjustments throughout the building. A significant part of TRILUX's involvement was the development of a bespoke luminaire for the library areas. The fitting was designed to provide uniform vertical illumination across shelving while maintaining visual comfort for users. According to the company, the optical design enables multiple light distributions from a compact luminaire profile, helping achieve consistent lighting levels across library collections. Alongside the bespoke library solution, TRILUX supplied a range of products from its standard portfolio across the wider building. Finea linear luminaires were installed throughout teaching spaces, offices, and circulation areas, while Sonnos downlights were used in social and shared spaces. Oleveon and Aragon luminaires were specified for performance and service areas, with Siella G5 suspended luminaires installed in offices and Onplana downlights used across a variety of working environments. Meeting Passivhaus requirements The Schwarzman Centre was designed to meet Passivhaus standards, requiring careful consideration of energy performance across all building systems. TRILUX says its lighting systems support these objectives through energy-efficient luminaires and intelligent controls designed to reduce energy consumption while maintaining appropriate lighting conditions throughout the building. The project involved collaboration between TRILUX, Max Fordham, Laing O'Rourke, and other members of the project team to ensure the lighting design aligned with architectural, construction, and operational requirements. For more from TRILUX, click here.

Zumtobel Group earns EcoVadis Platinum rating

Zumtobel Group, an Austrian company specialising in professional indoor and outdoor lighting, has received a Platinum rating from sustainability assessment platform EcoVadis, placing the company amongst the top 1% of organisations evaluated worldwide. The lighting manufacturer has been assessed by EcoVadis since 2016 and has progressed from Silver to Gold before achieving Platinum status for the first time. According to the company, the latest rating reflects continued improvements in its sustainability performance and reporting practices. Alfred Felder, CEO of Zumtobel Group, notes, "The EcoVadis Platinum rating confirms the Zumtobel Group's consistently pursued path; for us, sustainability is not a single project but an integral part of our business. "This success is only possible thanks to the joint commitment of our teams and the continuous implementation of our sustainability strategy. "At the same time, we see this award as an incentive to continue advancing our ambitions in the interests of our customers and partners, our employees, and the environment." A sustainable strategy The company says its sustainability strategy is built around three areas: Net Zero, Circular Economy, and Partner of Choice. Zumtobel states that it is implementing measures and targets across its value chain to support these objectives, whilst increasing transparency through sustainability reporting. The company also highlights the role of regulatory frameworks, including the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), in supporting the disclosure of sustainability performance and progress. According to Zumtobel, the move to Platinum status reflects both its sustainability initiatives and its approach to measuring and reporting results. For more from Zumtobel, click here.

Luceco supplies lighting for Kings’ School Winchester

Luceco, a UK manufacturer and distributor of LED lighting products, has completed a lighting project at Kings’ School Winchester, providing a new lighting scheme designed to improve energy efficiency, visual comfort, and long-term maintenance across the site. The state-maintained secondary school required upgraded lighting for classrooms, communal areas, circulation spaces, and external environments. Luceco developed the lighting design in collaboration with the installation contractor, drawing on previous experience delivering projects for Hampshire County Council within the education and healthcare sectors. Lighting installed across school facilities The project incorporated a range of Luceco products selected to meet the requirements of different areas across the school. Classrooms and study spaces were fitted with LuxPanel Connect LED panels, designed to provide uniform illumination and low-glare performance. Platinum with Platform downlights were installed in selected areas, offering lighting controls intended to support energy efficiency, whilst the Academy range was used throughout corridors, communal areas, and learning spaces. Externally, DW Windsor bespoke columns were installed to provide site lighting while complementing the school's architecture. Emergency exit signage was also integrated throughout the building. According to Luceco, the lighting design was developed to support educational standards while simplifying ongoing maintenance requirements. Ongoing work in the education sector Luceco says its previous work with Hampshire County Council helped streamline the design process and ensure the project met technical and operational requirements. Paul Carter, Account Manager at Luceco, notes, "Having worked with Hampshire County Council on other school projects, we understand the importance of reliable, compliant, and visually comfortable lighting for both students and staff. "At Kings’ School Winchester, we were able to deliver a solution that enhances learning environments while providing long-term energy and maintenance benefits." The project forms part of Luceco’s ongoing work within the education sector, supplying lighting systems for schools and other public sector facilities. For more from Luceco, click here.

Elucian's new 250A Power and Lighting Board

Wiring accessories manufacturer Click Scolmore has announced the introduction of the new Elucian 250A Power and Lighting Board, marking further development in its expanding Elucian distribution range. Designed to meet the evolving demands of modern electrical installations, this latest addition to the Elucian Three Phase range provides a practical and robust solution for environments requiring higher load capacity whilst maintaining compliance with current energy regulations. Supporting compliance with Part L requirements Power and lighting boards, also referred to as split load boards, are distribution boards configured to separate power and lighting circuits. This allows energy consumption to be metered independently, supporting compliance with Part L2 building regulations, which specify that at least 90% of energy usage must be properly accounted for. The new Elucian 250A board builds on this principle, offering enhanced capability for more demanding applications. An evolution of the established Elucian range Following the successful launch of the 125A variant, the 250A model represents a natural progression of the range. A newly engineered base, developed using the same structure and dimensions as a four-way unit, has been introduced with installer convenience in mind. The design ensures improved accessibility and increased space for cabling, addressing common on-site challenges and supporting efficient installation practices. While the 125A board continues to serve a wide range of general applications, the 250A version has been specifically developed for installations where higher electrical loads are required. Typical use cases include agricultural operations, industrial machinery, HVAC systems, commercial kitchens, data centres, and other environments that rely on three-phase power for equipment such as motors, pumps, conveyor systems, and air compressors. The Elucian 250A Power and Lighting Board also incorporates a range of practical features including: • Surge protection devices — can be installed across all configurations, with flexible positioning options depending on board size. • An earth connection point — provided via a dedicated earth nut on the side of the board, supporting straightforward and secure installation. • Built-in energy meter — for accurate tracking, this allows both power and lighting to be monitored separately on one energy meter rather than two separate meters. There are 15 different combinations available, from an 8 Way (8 Power / 4 Lighting) 250A Vertical Consumer Unit, through to a 20 Way (20 Power / 12 Lighting) 250A Vertical Consumer Unit. They each also feature quick release doors; these are fitted with spring clips, making them quick and easy to remove. They also offer device alignment - with the boards maintaining device alignment when fully installed - to ensure a neat and organised appearance. For more information, visit Elucian’s website or download the Scolmore Group app. For more from Elucian, click here.

Cornwall upgrades heritage street lighting network

Cornwall Council has completed a major upgrade of heritage street lighting across the county, installing new LED lanterns in locations including Penzance, St Ives, Charlestown Harbour, and Penryn. The project forms part of an £18.5 million programme to modernise Cornwall's street lighting infrastructure, replacing ageing equipment with LED technology to improve energy efficiency, enhance operational control, and support long-term reliability. The wider programme was driven by a combination of factors, including difficulties sourcing replacement components for existing systems, the end of life of the council's central management system (CMS), and the need to reduce energy consumption as part of Cornwall's carbon reduction objectives. Heritage locations required a tailored approach, with the council seeking to retain the character of historic streets, harbours, and promenades whilst improving lighting performance. "The move to LED supports Cornwall Council's aspiration to become carbon neutral by 2030," says Mandy Langdon, Project Manager at Cornwall Council. "It allows us to reduce energy consumption and gives us greater flexibility through dimming and part-night operation." British LED lighting manufacturer Acrospire supplied a range of heritage lanterns for the project, including the Muirfield, Birkdale, and Cornet ranges, which were selected as replacements for existing fittings. LED upgrade aligns efficiency and heritage character All lanterns were specified with a 3000K colour temperature to provide a warm lighting appearance, suited to heritage environments, while maintaining visibility and public safety. Different power outputs, ranging from 14W to 64W, were used to meet the varying requirements of locations across the county. Most lanterns were finished in 'jet black', with selected installations supplied in 'moss green' or 'red wine' to complement local surroundings. Given Cornwall's coastal environment, marine-grade finishes were specified to help protect the lanterns from corrosion caused by salt air exposure. The new lighting supports dimming and part-night operation, enabling the council to reduce energy use when appropriate. Dark Sky-compliant lanterns were also installed where possible to help minimise light pollution. The installation required adaptations to accommodate a mix of existing column sizes and mounting arrangements. Acrospire supplied adaptor sleeves and bracket adaptors to ensure compatibility with existing infrastructure and minimise disruption during deployment. "We've been working with Acrospire for a few years now and have developed a great working relationship," continues Mandy. "They were keen to keep things simple when it came to ordering and provided designs with a very short turnaround, which helped us stay on track with the timeframe we had. "They've also supported us in finding solutions to make our varied existing infrastructure work with the new lanterns, supplying adaptors and additional parts quickly where needed. "We consulted with them early in the planning stages around CMS compatibility, and that input was really valuable in helping us make the right decisions for the project." Delivered in partnership with Enerveo, the scheme sought to provide a more efficient and resilient street lighting network whilst preserving the appearance of Cornwall's historic and coastal locations. According to the council, the upgrade is expected to reduce maintenance requirements, lower energy consumption, and support long-term asset management across the county. For more from Acrospire, click here.

Ariston donates heat pump to university for research

Heating systems manufacturer Ariston has donated an air source heat pump (ASHP) to Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) to support engineering education and research into low-carbon heating technologies. The Nimbus Pocket 50 air source heat pump has been installed at the University's Chelmsford campus and will be used by students across a range of engineering courses, including mechanical engineering, mechatronics and robotic engineering, electrical and electronic engineering, civil engineering, and biomedical engineering. According to ARU, the heat pump will provide students with practical experience of renewable heating technology and support research into energy efficiency and sustainable building systems. The unit is located within the university's Marconi building and will form part of both teaching and research activities. Supporting heat pump education and research The Nimbus Pocket 50 uses R32 refrigerant and has a coefficient of performance (COP) of up to 5.1. Ariston says the system was selected to help students better understand heat pump operation, efficiency, and the role of low-carbon heating technologies in the transition to net zero. Representatives from Ariston recently visited the campus to view the installation and meet students involved in related research projects. Discussions included areas such as thermodynamic cycles and heat recovery systems for preheating water supplies. Edoardo Pauletta, Country Manager at Ariston, comments, "We’re pleased to donate one of our Nimbus Pocket air source heat pumps to Anglia Ruskin University. "As the UK makes swift strides towards achieving net zero goals, it is vital that the next generation of students looking to work in the renewable energy, sustainability, and environmental sectors have access to these new technologies. “We hope this heat pump will give students a better understanding into sustainable heating technology as well as hands-on learning opportunities, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed for a successful career as the UK transitions to a greener future.” Ahad Ramezanpour, Associate Professor of Computational Fluid Dynamics at Anglia Ruskin University, adds, "Ariston’s generous donation gives our students invaluable real-world insight into heat pump technology, supports our research in this area, and helps prepare our graduates to lead the transition to low-carbon heating and cooling." For more from Ariston, click here.

Advanced expands University of West London's fire monitoring

The University of West London (UWL) has expanded its fire safety infrastructure through the deployment of AdvancedLive remote monitoring technology across multiple campuses. The project forms part of a wider programme to modernise the university's fire protection systems, which has seen legacy fire panels replaced with Advanced MxPro 5 systems across sites in West London and Oxford. Over the past three years, UWL has upgraded fire detection infrastructure across its estate, including at Ruskin College in Oxford, which became part of the University in 2021. The campus includes several historic buildings, including the Rookery, originally constructed in 1913. According to the university, the upgrades were completed without disruption despite the complexities of integrating fire systems across both historic and more recently developed buildings. More than 27 fire panels have now been installed across educational, office, and residential buildings, with three major campuses connected to the AdvancedLive platform. Centralised monitoring across multiple campuses AdvancedLive provides facilities and security teams with real-time visibility of fire systems through a centralised dashboard and map-based interface. The platform allows users to monitor alarms, faults, disablements, and system status remotely, helping to reduce the need for site visits and improve response times. The University's St Mary's Road Campus operates 13 fire panels, while the Ruskin College campus has six panels configured with site-specific cause-and-effect strategies. At Paragon House, four panels support phased evacuation procedures across the 12-storey building. Additional sites, including Cavendish & Century and Drama Studio London, use tailored configurations designed to meet their individual operational requirements. Jason Bennett, Division Manager at Alarm Communication, says, "From both an admin and engineering perspective, AdvancedLive has been extremely positive. "The live system view and detailed log make daily management much simpler, while remote access means the facilities team can react quickly and efficiently to any issue. "The installation was straightforward, and Advanced’s support throughout the process was excellent." Salvy Vittozzi, Sales Manager for UK South East at Advanced, comments, "The University of West London is a great example of how AdvancedLive can transform fire system oversight across a complex estate. "By combining the proven reliability of the MxPro 5 panels with the real-time visibility of AdvancedLive, the university now benefits from a solution that’s not only robust today, but also scalable for the future. "It’s fantastic to see how this investment is already saving time, reducing unnecessary travel, and strengthening fire safety management." UWL says it plans to extend AdvancedLive connectivity across the remainder of its estate as part of its ongoing fire safety management strategy. For more from Advanced, click here.

ESP launches new Espire Fire Alarm Input Module

Fire and security solutions supplier ESP, part of the Scolmore Group, has expanded its Espire domestic fire detection range with the launch of the new Espire Fire Alarm Input Module, delivering a practical and reliable solution for seamless third-party system integration across a wide range of applications including HMOs and social housing. Designed to operate as part of the Espire alarm system using ESP’s RF-Link wire-free technology, the new input module is powered by a sealed, non-replaceable 10-year lithium battery, providing long-term reliability whilst significantly simplifying installation. The wire-free design removes the need for mains wiring to the device, making it suitable for projects where cable installation is difficult, disruptive, or cost prohibitive. This allows contractors and installers to complete installations quickly and efficiently, particularly in retrofit environments. The Espire Fire Alarm Input Module enables compatible third-party devices, including fire suppression systems such as sprinklers, to trigger connected Espire alarm sounders and deliver a clear, audible warning throughout the property. This enhanced level of integration provides greater flexibility for specifiers and installers working across a wide range of domestic settings. Ideally suited for HMOs, social housing schemes, and standard residential properties, the module offers a compact footprint that fits within a standard 1-gang back box, supplied as standard, enabling discreet installation. A clear, front-facing LED indicator provides simple visual confirmation of operational status for both installers and maintenance. Key features and benefits include: • Compatible with RF-Link Enabled Espire Alarms • Volt-free input switch to sound alarms • 10-year sealed battery • Standard 1-gang installation surface box included For more information, visit the ESP website or download the Scolmore Group app. For more from ESP, click here.

AI is coming to electrical estimating

What if your estimating software could answer questions about products – in plain English? That is exactly what Electrika is building. Later this year, the UK's free electrical estimating software platform will launch Al-powered product assistants, allowing contractors to search, compare, and specify products using natural language instead of scrolling through catalogue pages. A contractor will be able to ask something like, "What Schneider MCBs are available for a three-phase board?" and get an accurate, contextual answer – drawn directly from the manufacturer's own technical documentation, datasheets, and catalogues. It is a significant step for an industry where product information is typically scattered across hundreds of PDFs and brochures. Experienced estimators carry much of this knowledge in their heads, built up over years on the job. But when they retire or move on, that expertise leaves with them. AI assistants can bridge that gap, making product knowledge accessible to every contractor on the platform. Why it matters for manufacturers For the brands whose products appear on Electrika – including Schneider Electric, Hager, Ansell Lighting, MK Electric, and more than 25 others – the AI tools create a new channel. Their technical documentation becomes fully searchable and integrated directly into the quoting process, adding value at the point of specification rather than sitting unused in a downloads folder. Manufacturers invest heavily in producing detailed catalogues, installation guides, and technical manuals. AI makes that investment work harder by putting the right information in front of the right person at the right moment. Still free, still shareable The AI launch builds on a major platform upgrade completed earlier this year, which introduced a fully mobile-responsive interface and redesigned user experience. Contractors can now build, review, and amend quotes on any device – desktop, tablet, or phone – directly in the browser, with no app required. Electrika remains entirely free – no subscription, no per-seat licence, and no limits on sharing. Contractors can share quotes with colleagues, clients, and subcontractors without anyone needing to purchase software. A freelance estimator can serve multiple clients from a single account. A growing firm can give every team member access at no cost. With more than 14,000 registered users and manufacturer partnerships including Schneider Electric, Hager, Ansell Lighting, and MK Electric, Electrika is one of the most widely used estimating platforms in the UK electrical contracting industry. The platform gives contractors access to manufacturer trade prices, professional quote reports, kits and templates for repeat work, and the ability to build detailed estimates complete with labour rates, equipment markups, and preliminaries. The output is a professional report that can go straight to a client or quantity surveyor. Getting started Registering takes less than a minute. Visit electrika.com to start quoting – and be ready for AI when it arrives. Electrika – free electrical estimating software that's been trusted since 1996. For more from Electrika, click here.