LIA launches TM65.2 carbon reporting schemes

The Lighting Industry Association (LIA), a UK trade body for lighting manufacturers and suppliers, has launched the TM65.2 Assured Product and Company Schemes, aimed at strengthening confidence in embodied carbon reporting across the lighting sector. The schemes provide a framework for assessing the embodied carbon of lighting products through independently verified reporting. They have been introduced as sustainability expectations increase across the built environment and infrastructure sectors, where organisations are under pressure to demonstrate greater transparency in environmental reporting. According to the LIA, the schemes are intended to encourage consistency in carbon reporting, increase confidence in verified products and organisations, and reduce the risk of misleading environmental claims. Unlike self-declared reporting, the schemes use a third-party assessment process carried out by the LIA Laboratory. Independent verification of lighting products Assessments include product disassembly and a detailed review of components, materials, and weights, alongside manufacturing locations, energy consumption, and the tonnage of produced goods. The verification process follows the TM65.2 methodology and is designed to reflect how lighting products are designed and manufactured. Ali Kay, Sustainability Manager at the LIA, comments, “The industry has made significant progress in understanding embodied carbon, but consistency and credibility are critical if reporting is to drive meaningful change. "TM65.2 Assured provides an evidence-based, independently verified framework that supports transparency and reduces the risk of greenwashing. By applying a lighting-specific approach, we are ensuring that calculations are robust, comparable, and aligned with the realities of our sector.” The schemes will be delivered through the LIA Laboratory, which is ISO 17065 accredited. The laboratory also holds UKAS and IECEE accreditations. Kieran Merrills, Certification Manager at the LIA Laboratory, adds, “Certification must be rigorous, impartial, and technically sound. TM65.2 Assured has been built around structured third-party verification, detailed technical assessment, and clear governance. "Our ISO 17065 certification ensures that every decision is made objectively and consistently, giving the market confidence that assured products and companies have met a defined and independently validated standard.” For more from the LIA, click here.

'Stop using your multimeter for proving dead!'

In test equipment manufacturer Kewtech's previous article, ‘Is your equipment GS38 compliant?’, the company looked at what it means to be HSE GS38 compliant and why it is important to select measuring equipment that is suitable and rated for the prospective fault current when carrying out safe isolation. For a recap, GS38 is the UK Health & Safety Executive’s safety requirements for electrical test equipment for use on low-voltage systems. Testing equipment and accessories that meet these standards are designed to minimise the risk of electric shock, arcing, and injury when working on low-voltage electrical systems (up to 1000 V AC / 1500 V DC). Your checklist for using the correct equipment includes: • Ideally, 2mm exposed tips (and Kewtech doesn’t recommend removable tips) and not more than 4mm exposed • Finger guards • Use of high-integrity insulated leads (check for insulation damage before use) • Appropriate CAT rating for the environment • Properly maintained equipment • Conforming to British Standards Why are multimeters discouraged? Unfortunately, it is the case that many multimeters out there are not manufactured to British Standards, with inappropriate test leads to carry out safe isolation, putting the user and others around them at risk of injury and death. Furthermore, most multimeters are designed for working on electronic equipment and are not rated for the prospective fault current that is found on low-voltage installations. This aside, however, there is even a common misconception and misuse of products when it comes to Digital Multimeters (DMMs) for safe isolation. The defining feature of a multimeter is that it requires the user to select the function and range required for testing through a rotary switch or buttons. Contrastingly, GS38 emphasises that test equipment used for proving dead must not be prone to incorrect settings or dependent on user-selected ranges. The reasoning for this is one which seeks to remove the potential for human error. Should the user select the wrong function (e.g. continuity instead of voltage), the meter can give a false reading, fail to detect live voltage or, in some cases, be damaged or fail dangerously. What to look out for? • Any product which uses a rotary dial or a user selection function without auto-select • GS38 specifically discourages multifunction instruments such as traditional multimeters unless they can safely detect voltage regardless of the setting. Kewtech’s KT5 with auto-function select The KT5 from Kewtech is a sophisticated, all-in-one open-jaw current and voltage indicator with multimeter functionality. There is, however, a subtle yet distinguishing feature to the KT5 when compared to some similar products on the market. The KT5 is built with an automatic function selection which removes the ambiguity from readings and prevents false negatives through user error, making it an ideal tool for safe isolation. This means that, should you be on the wrong setting when seeking to prove dead, the KT5 will still provide you with a potentially lifesaving indication. Furthermore, unlike some two-pole testers, the KT5 does not need to detect a potential difference between probes to provide an indication of a dangerous voltage; it will detect a dangerous voltage with a single probe. Using a two-pole tester that needs to see a potential difference between the probes will not detect a dangerous voltage where an earth, neutral, or a separate phase is not present, but a single line voltage is present. The bottom line Safe isolation is not an area where compromise or convenience should ever outweigh safety. While digital multimeters have their place, they are often unsuitable for proving dead due to their often-inappropriate test leads/probes as well as their reliance on correct function selection by the user and inadequate fault current rating. By choosing equipment that is purpose-built for safe isolation, compliant with British Standards, and capable of detecting voltage regardless of user settings, electricians can significantly reduce the risk of false readings and potentially fatal accidents. Investing in the right test equipment isn’t just about compliance; it’s about protecting lives, including your own. Remember: Test Before You Touch! For more from Kewtech, click here.

Ansell Lighting adds Calico to wall light range

Ansell Lighting, a designer and manufacturer of luminaires, has expanded its wall lighting range with the introduction of Calico, a slim architectural wall light designed for residential and hospitality settings. The luminaire features selectable correlated colour temperature (CCT) options of 2700K, 3000K, and 4000K, allowing installers to adjust the lighting output depending on the environment. A switch located on the fitting enables the colour temperature to be selected before installation, helping installers configure the luminaire during the fitting process. Calico is designed to provide installation flexibility, with a 350° installation angle around the connection point. It is available with either centre or end connection options, and in two lengths. Installers can choose between a 600mm or 900mm luminaire depending on the requirements of the project. Designed for flexible installation The wall light has been developed for use in a range of interior spaces, including homes and hospitality venues, where low-level or warm lighting may be required. Its adjustable installation options allow the luminaire to be positioned in different configurations, supporting a variety of interior lighting layouts. Mark Abbott, Managing Director at Ansell Lighting, says, “We’re delighted to expand our portfolio and continue to deliver products that focus on the ease of installation. "The Calico wall light is a versatile product, allowing for installation in a variety of environments and creating different atmospheres.” For more from Ansell Lighting, click here.

ESR cautiously welcomes Tenant Satisfaction Measures plans

The Regulator of Social Housing’s plans to introduce Tenant Satisfaction Measures (TSM) on electrical safety have been given a cautious welcome by the Electrical Safety Roundtable (ESR). The ESR is a cross-industry body with over a decade promoting electrical safety in the home, social housing, and workplace. The Regulator has asked stakeholders if they agree or disagree that the proposed TSM will provide an appropriate level of information about landlord performance in carrying out required electrical safety checks. The Social Housing Sub-Group of the ESR has responded to the RSH’s consultation, saying they partially agree, but there are concerns about whether routinely providing full electrical safety certificates directly to tenants will significantly improve residents’ understanding of landlord performance, which is the primary aim of the TSM. Martin Simmonds, Chair of the ESR Social Housing Sub-Group, comments, “The ESR supports the intention behind the TSM and its role in strengthening resident safety and confidence, and we welcome any initiative that will improve electrical safety for tenants and their families. “The proposed TSM should provide a useful level of information regarding landlord performance in carrying out required electrical safety checks, supporting greater transparency and accountability, helping ensure landlords remain focused on meeting their statutory safety obligations. “However, we do have concerns about whether routinely providing full electrical safety certificates directly to tenants will significantly improve residents’ understanding of landlord performance, which is the primary aim of the TSM.” Concerns about risks The ESR response to the consultation also warns about the risk of unintended consequences. While certificates demonstrate technical compliance, they are often complex documents that can be difficult for residents to interpret and may lead to confusion or misinterpretation of findings. The ESR has already seen examples of unintended consequences where measures intended to improve electrical safety have added additional costs and admin to social housing providers. New electrical safety regulations came into force in England, requiring social landlords to inspect and test electrical installations in their properties at least every five years and carry out necessary works. These changes took effect in November 2025 for new tenancies and will come into force in May 2026 for existing tenancies. These requirements are already in place in Scotland and Wales, and there is support to see them extended to the social rented sector in Northern Ireland to ensure consistent safety standards across the UK. Social landlords will also be required to inspect and test any electrical appliance they provide as part of a tenancy. Martin continues, “There are notable administrative and cost implications associated with distributing certificates, alongside the likelihood of increased customer contact relating to technical queries that may not provide additional assurance. This could divert resources away from delivering safety improvements and remedial works, ultimately reducing the effectiveness of the measure’s intended outcomes.” The ESR has called for the introduction of an annual compliance summary issued to residents which would present key safety information in a clear and accessible format and could incorporate all relevant compliance areas, including electrical safety, gas safety, and fire risk assessments (where applicable within blocks), as well as other statutory checks. Awareness campaigns The ESR has previously published guidance documents aimed at landlords and social housing tenants to explain electrical safety legislation and how they will be impacted. Earlier this year, the ESR launched a new campaign to promote electrical safety for social housing tenants. The 'Let Me In!' campaign aims to engage social housing providers and tenants to ensure the safety of electrical installations and equipment within their properties. This tenant-focused campaign aims to educate and allow access for essential safety checks across the UK. The campaign media pack promotes its key message, ‘Safety Starts at Your Door Let Me In!’. It includes free resources such as posters and leaflets, accessible documents, and social media images and captions. The campaign materials include statistics and information explaining the dangers of electricity, why electrical checks must be carried out, and what happens during an electrical inspection. The ESR also launched guidance on how to find a Competent & Qualified Person for Landlord Electrical Safety Checks with a summary of what is contained in an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), which could be amended to explain TSMs in an easy-to-understand format. For more from the ESR, click here.

Aico reveals Community Awards 2026 shortlist

Aico, a manufacturer of residential fire and carbon monoxide detection products, has announced the official shortlist for the Community Awards 2026, celebrating the outstanding achievements, innovation, and dedication demonstrated across the social housing and fire safety sectors. This year saw a large volume of entries, with judges commenting on both the quality and breadth of submissions received. The standard of entries reportedly made the shortlisting process particularly challenging. The judging panel for the 2026 Awards includes: •​ Alexa Scrivener, Transformation Lead, Stirling • ​Georgina Homer, Fire Safety Advisor, Wolverhampton Homes •​ Dr Matt Home, CEO, Willowdene • ​Neal Hooper, Managing Director, Aico • ​Yetunde Dania, Partner and Head of Office, Trowers & Hamlins Below are the shortlisted organisations for each category: Apprentice of the Year Following the close of entries for this category in January, the shortlisted candidates were invited to attend an assessment day at JTL. After completing both written and practical examinations, the finalists selected for this category are: • ​Emily-Jane Simmons from Focus Training Group - Bristol •​ Jack Brammer from JTL Rotherham •​ Oliver Astrand from North East Surrey College of Technology (NESCOT) •​ Jessica Johnson from Abingdon and Witney College •​ Jack Daily from West College Scotland • ​Chris Parnell from JTL Training - Norwich Best Distributer Community Initiative This award is dedicated to distributors who have gone the extra mile and have been committed to supporting the wider communities they serve. The shortlists for this category are: •​ Medlocks Thatcham •​ Edmundson Electrical Irvine •​ City Electrical Factors NW London • ​YESSS Electrical Trafford Park •​ Service Electrical Distributors Ltd • ​LEW Electrical Distributors Collaborative Partnership This award category highlights the organisations that have shown examples of strong partnerships across the industry and local communities. The shortlists for this category are: •​ Birmingham City Council •​ Fortem •​ Insite Specialist Services •​ Glasgow City Region • ​Equans •​ Bromford Flagship College Initiative of the Year This award celebrates the best and most innovative initiatives among the UK further education and sixth form colleges to promote the best practices and support student development. The shortlists for this category are: •​ Hull College •​ University College Birmingham • ​Yeovil College •​ South Eastern Regional College •​ Arena Training Centre • ​Cheshire College South and West Corporate Social Responsibility This award recognises suppliers in the social housing industry or social housing providers who have gone the extra mile and have shown commitment to supporting the wider communities they serve. The shortlists for this category are: •​ Ongo •​ Falkirk Council •​ Equans UK & Ireland • ​Leeds City Council •​ Smith & Byford •​ Torus Foundation Electrical Contractor of the Year This category recognises an electrical contractor who has completed the Expert Installer Training and engaged with Aico's Installer Community, has provided exceptional support, and has demonstrated outstanding professionalism, innovation, or service contribution to a project or contract. The shortlists for this category are: • ​Clarkson Evans •​ Hewer Facilities Management Ltd •​ Magnus Electrical Services •​ AB Building and Electrical Ltd •​ McIntyre Compliance Services •​ Barlows Uk Ltd Inspirational Colleague of the Year This award recognises an individual who goes above and beyond to deliver a high quality of work that exceeds the call of duty. This could be someone who has put innovation or creativity at the heart of what they do, or someone who has shown unstoppable determination. The shortlists for this category are: •​ Olivia Greenhalgh from First Choice Homes •​ Peter Taylor from Loreburn Housing Association •​ Graham Hart from South Essex Homes •​ Kieran Docherty from Midlothian Council DLO •​ Mitchell Rose from Alphatrack Systems •​ Steve Messenger from Booker & Best Lifetime Achievement Award The chosen winner will have lived and breathed social housing or fire safety throughout their career. They will have driven change both in the organisation in which they have worked and in their sector. The shortlists for this category are: • ​Ross Webb from Sureserve •​ Joe Cryans from City of York Council •​ Adam Watts from EFT Systems •​ Mark Churcher from VIVID •​ June Anderson from Monument Contract & Maintenance Ltd •​ Keith Smith from The Ferry Project Neighbourhood Transformation This award recognises a social housing provider that has completed or has an ongoing project to transform and regenerate their local community to make their area a better place to live. The shortlists for this category are: •​ ZED PODS LTD •​ Rykneld Homes •​ WPS/Wates •​ Perth & Kinross Council •​ Central Bedfordshire Council •​ Amplius People's Choice Award This brand-new category recognises excellence and celebrates work that truly connects with the audience, which will be voted live on the night. The shortlists for this category are: •​ Barrhead Housing •​ Dacorum •​ Poplar HARCA •​ Wolverhampton Homes Resident Engagement This award recognises the best engagement with residents in the housing sector and puts communication and residents’ views at the forefront of their decision-making. The shortlists for this category are: • ​Housing 21 •​ ClwydAlyn Housing •​ Riverside Scotland •​ Magenta Living •​ Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service •​ Selwood Housing Rising Star The chosen winner will be a special newcomer or junior team member who is making a difference in their organisation, bringing improvements and working towards positive change in the industry. The shortlists for this category are: • ​Alfie Squirell from Wiggett Group •​ Amy Williams from Alpha Housing •​ Lynsey Stead from North Yorkshire Council •​ Joe Henshaw from Platform Housing Group •​ George Temple from Vico Homes •​ Mel Bennett from Cambridge Housing Society Sustainability Project of the Year This category rewards organisations and collaborators who are working on or implementing sustainable solutions for a greener future in social housing. The shortlists for this category are: •​ Nottingham City Council Housing Services • ​West Dunbartonshire Council •​ River Clyde Homes •​ H&A Group •​ RE:GEN Group • ​CG Fry Women in Fire Safety This category is all about celebrating the contribution of women to the fire industry in the UK. The winner will be a woman working within the fire industry who has gone above and beyond in her role to make a difference over the last 12 months. The shortlists for this category are: •​ Liz Sharples from Progress Housing •​ Laura Dougan from St Leger Homes •​ Kirsty Stott from Kingdom Housing Association •​ Michelle Alexis from L&Q •​ Martina Lydon from WHG •​ Emma Meredith from North Wales Housing Getting involved Congratulations to all shortlisted organisations and individuals. Aico comments that it would like to thank everyone who took the time to submit an entry for this year’s awards. The winners will be announced at the Community Awards evening on 16 April 2026. To book a seat at the awards ceremony, you can contact events@aico.co.uk by 20 March 2026. For more from Aico, click here.

UKPS to deliver Cardiff ground source heat network

UK Power Solutions (UKPS), a UK provider of multi-utility connections for residential, industrial, and commercial projects, has been appointed by Wates Residential to deliver a ground source heat network at the former Michaelston Community College site in Cardiff. The scheme is expected to be the first of its kind in the city. It forms part of the Cardiff Living partnership between Wates Residential and Cardiff Council, creating 235 homes across a 27-acre site, including 115 open-market properties, 120 council homes, and a community hub with a café and medical centre. UKPS, alongside subcontractor Rendesco, will install a central energy centre, 47 boreholes to harness geothermal energy, and heat interface units in each home. Once complete, Last Mile Heat will adopt and operate the network. Heat network aims to cut emissions by 80% Rachael Grierson-Gillespie, Senior Business Development Executive at UKPS, says, “Our ground source heat network is projected to reduce carbon emissions for the development by up to 80% compared to traditional gas heating, and 54% compared to air source heat pumps. "It will also deliver lower running costs and bills for residents, supporting regional goals to tackle fuel poverty. “Solutions like this are crucial to delivering the affordable and sustainable housing the UK needs, and we’re proud to be involved with a project that demonstrates to councils and developers everywhere what’s possible with the right technology and financing.” UKPS states that its asset value model will enable Wates Residential to recover nearly half of the capital cost through forward-funded rebate payments. Since 27 January 2026, heat networks in the UK have fallen under Ofgem regulation, aligning consumer protections with other utilities. Last Mile Heat has enrolled its 2,000 connections across 13 networks under the Heat Trust scheme.

Elucian expands consumer unit range with IP65 EV boards

Elucian, a UK manufacturer of circuit protection devices and consumer units under the Click Scolmore brand, has recently added new IP65-rated EV boards to its popular consumer unit range, providing electricians with a robust solution tailored for the growing demand in electric vehicle charging installations. As electric vehicle adoption accelerates across the UK, the role of dedicated EV boards has never been more critical. These specialist consumer units are designed to manage the unique electrical requirements of EV chargers, including high current loads, isolation, surge protection, and compliance with the latest wiring regulations. A purpose-built EV board not only ensures safety for homeowners and installers but also simplifies installation, reducing the risk of errors and downtime. Product details The Elucian EV Boards, from Click Scolmore, are available in multiple configurations, with protective devices - RCDs or RCBOs, and surge protection devices (SPDs) - pre-fitted, allowing installers to complete projects faster while ensuring full compliance with UK wiring regulations. The units also include a free way for additional circuits, offering flexibility for future upgrades. The full range comprises: • 5 Way IP65 EV Unit with 100A Mains Switch, SPD and 32A B Curve RCBO • 5 Way IP65 EV Unit with 100A Mains Switch, SPD and 40A B Curve RCBO • 5 Way IP65 EV Unit with 63A 30mA Type A RCD, SPD and 40A B Curve MCB • 5 Way IP65 EV Unit with 63A 30mA Type B RCD and 40A B Curve MCB Available in a white or anthracite grey finish, the EV units feature multiple gland knockouts and come with a pre-fitted lock that provides safety from interference. The new IP65 EV board extends the trusted Elucian range, combining Click Scolmore’s reputation for high-quality, installer-friendly consumer units with the performance and protection demanded by modern EV installations. For more information, visit Elucian’s website or download the Scolmore Group app. For more from Elucian, click here.

Advanced introduces SmokeGo smoke control system

Smoke control remains a critical life safety measure in commercial and public buildings, with most fire-related fatalities linked to smoke inhalation rather than flame exposure. Effective systems are designed to keep escape routes clear, limit smoke spread, and support firefighting operations. In the UK, smoke control must comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, Approved Document B, BS 9999, BS 9991:2024, and the BS EN 12101 series. Internationally, standards such as NFPA 92 also apply. With this in mind, fire protection solutions manufacturer Advanced has introduced SmokeGo, a smoke control system developed for both dedicated and non-dedicated applications. The system integrates with the company’s MxPro 5 fire panels, enabling automatic and manual control of fans and dampers. SmokeGo supports both smoke containment - such as stairwell pressurisation - and smoke management through mechanical or natural extract systems. The platform is EN 54 Parts 2 and 4 approved and designed to align with ISO 21927-9 and BS 7346-8. Additional product details Key features include a four-step configuration process, matrix-based programming, and support for up to 15 fan and damper switch cards per P-Bus, with additional expansion via peripheral network nodes or further panels. The system also offers cascade operation, post-alarm purge, scheduled automatic testing, and manual override options. Remote monitoring is available through the AdvancedLive management platform, supporting ongoing maintenance and functional testing. Advanced states that SmokeGo is intended to simplify design, commissioning, and lifecycle management of smoke control systems in line with current regulatory requirements. For more from Advanced, click here.

Breathing Buildings marks 20 years

Breathing Buildings, a UK provider of controlled hybrid and natural ventilation systems, is marking its 20th anniversary, highlighting two decades of hybrid and low-energy ventilation development. Founded in 2006 as a spin-out from the University of Cambridge, the company was established following research into its E-stack mixing ventilation system, developed in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and funded by BP. The intellectual property was patented by the University of Cambridge, with Breathing Buildings securing exclusive rights. Over the past 20 years, the company has received 47 industry awards and contributed to projects across the education, commercial, and public sectors. These include the James Dyson Building at the University of Cambridge, the East Anglian Air Ambulance headquarters, the Costa Coffee Eco Pod at Wrekin Business Park, and Bloomberg’s European headquarters in London. Its systems have also been referenced within the Priority Schools Building Programme and BB101 guidance. Investment in manufacturing and people To support growth, Breathing Buildings has expanded its Dudley manufacturing facility, increasing production capacity and adding a new showroom space. In addition, Huw Poppy has rejoined the business as Business Operations Director. He brings more than 20 years’ experience in low-energy ventilation and serves as Secretary of the CIBSE Natural Ventilation Group. James Hammick has also returned as Specification Sales Manager, South East, with the company further expanding its design and sales teams. Huw Poppy comments, “Breathing Buildings has grown from a research-led start-up into one of the most respected names in low-energy ventilation. "Over the past 20 years, we’ve continued to invest in innovation, people, and manufacturing, while maintaining a strong technical focus. "It’s an exciting time for the business as we continue to expand our capabilities and support customers in delivering high-performing, low-carbon buildings.” The company’s portfolio includes its Natural Ventilation with Heat Recycling range, which combines natural and mechanical ventilation, as well as the NVHRe system incorporating heat recovery. It also offers an MVHRe commercial heat recovery range for spaces requiring fully mechanical ventilation. For more from Breathing Buildings, click here.

NAPIT welcomes new Certification and Standards Director

Certification body and training provider NAPIT says it is pleased to announce that Andrew Parkin has joined the business as Certification and Standards Director. Andrew joins NAPIT from his role as Technical Development Director at fellow Phenna Group company Elmhurst Energy. His experience in this technical role within the building certification and energy efficiency sectors will complement the ongoing growth of the NAPIT business, the company adds. Long-term experience With over 20 years of industry insight into government initiatives, policies, and regulation changes, Andrew is well placed to bolster NAPIT's reputation within the committees and working groups that shape our sector. Andrew leaves Elmhurst Energy with glowing praise from Managing Director Stuart Fairlie, with him commenting that, “Andrew has made an outstanding contribution to Elmhurst. "He helped shape a unified culture with real energy and innovation. His leadership has strengthened the support we provide to our members.” Stephen Melton, Commercial & Compliance Director at NAPIT, says of Andrew’s appointment, “We are excited to be adding someone with Andrew’s knowledge [and] reputation to the NAPIT senior leadership team. "His wide experience of certification, standards, and innovation in the building fabric sector will further strengthen our position and complement our existing teams. “There are many synergies between the NAPIT and Elmhurst Energy businesses, with which Andrew brings a wealth of insight to allow for future growth and collaboration.” Andrew joins NAPIT at a busy time with the launch of the BS 7671:2018 amendment 4 to the wiring regulations and the redeveloped Microgeneration Certification Scheme. The company says he will be a key figure in the transition and adoption of its members into these new standards and will drive the focus both internally with the NAPIT teams and within the wider external working groups and committees. For more from NAPIT, click here.