Heat Save helping to decarbonise social housing properties

British ventilation manufacturer, Vent-Axia, has helped Hillingdon Council decarbonise its social housing properties by providing energy efficient heat recovery ventilation for residents’ homes. Beginning in February 2022, the first phase of upgrades saw heat recovery ventilation installed in 150 properties. This is part of Hillingdon Council’s refurbishment roll-out through the government’s social housing decarbonisation programme, which targets properties with a lower energy efficiency (EPC) rating and funds a range of improvements to bring them in line with modern standards of Band C or above. Depending on each property, the refurbishment works can include cavity wall insulation, external wall insulation, loft insulation, A+ Double-Glazed window replacement, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR), reducing cold bridging, and replacement canopies. To provide the mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, Hillingdon Council opted for two products from Vent-Axia’s Heat Recovery Retrofit Solution - the Lo-Carbon Heat Save and the Lo-Carbon Tempra. The range has been designed to deliver decarbonisation to social housing providers, offering increased ventilation while minimising unnecessary heat loss through heat recovery technology. In addition to providing energy efficient ventilation, it was also crucial to protect the fabric of the properties and Hillingdon Council’s investment in its housing stock. Vent-Axia’s Heat Recovery Retrofit Solution helps with this too by protecting homes from condensation and mould, with the Heat Save single room alternate flow heat recovery units chosen for the habitable living room areas in the homes and the Tempra single room heat recovery units selected for the wet rooms (kitchen and bathroom). As well as the Heat Save and the Tempra, the Lo-Carbon Revive filter-less continuous running extractor fan was installed in single WCs. PFL Electrical is a framework contractor for Hillingdon Council working on the upgrades and has installed the ventilation in the homes. James Higginson, Operations Director at PFL Electrical, explains, “As homes become more airtight, it becomes very important to install heat recovery ventilation. Heat recovery offers greater payback to both tenants and Hillingdon Council through energy savings, as well as protecting properties from condensation and mould. Vent-Axia’s Heat Save 100% does the job and is completely unique. We have installed it in habitable rooms while we installed the Tempra in kitchens and bathrooms. Both single-room heat recovery units work together to provide a well-ventilated and energy efficient solution without the need to retrofit a ducted whole house MVHR system. For retrofitting in existing properties this is ideal, especially since it offers less disruption for tenants as it is quick and easy to install." James continues, “In new build properties, a whole house ducted MVHR system is simple to install, but in retrofit properties it would mean a lot of disruption since ducting would have to be installed through joists and floor boards, making it a much larger job. With the Heat Save you can install an effective solution in two days, as opposed to retrofitting a ducted system which would take significantly longer and multiple trades. It’s perfect for tackling social housing damp and mould properties quickly and efficiently." The UK is committed to meet Net Zero targets by 2050, setting a tough challenge for social housing providers to improve their energy efficiency and so lower the carbon emissions in their properties, without detrimentally affecting the indoor air quality (IAQ) in their homes. Increasing airtightness in homes to improve energy efficiency, without providing adequate ventilation, can create areas where moisture condenses, leading to mould growth which blights many homes across the UK. Social housing providers recognise the challenges and are looking for solutions to protect their housing stock and residents. This is where Vent-Axia can provide the right ventilation solution to support their journey towards Net Zero and healthier homes. The Vent-Axia Lo-Carbon Heat Save is designed to offer either single room heat recovery or form part of a whole house heat recovery ventilation solution for existing homes. Alternate flow heat recovery offers a balanced, modular, customisable ventilation system that can be easily retrofitted, the company says, providing both supply and extract while recovering heat from the air. Achieving up to 84% heat recovery, Heat Save uses the warmth from outgoing air to heat incoming air to avoid heat loss and to reduce energy bills for households. Using two or more fans within a property, the unit uses a reversible fan that alternates between supply and extract every 70 seconds. Meanwhile, Vent-Axia’s Lo-Carbon Tempra single room heat recovery unit is a discreet, low energy, continuously running alternative to traditional extractor fans that offers affordable heat recovery of up to 78% while improving air quality on a room-by-room basis. The through-the-wall mounted unit simultaneously extracts stale air and introduces fresh air – warming the incoming airflow with heat recovered from the exhaust air. Allowing simple installation through a 100mm diameter hole in a wall, the innovative design of the unit enables standard bathroom, kitchen, toilet or utility room fans to be easily changed for a Tempra without the need to make the install hole larger. The unit’s performance, using a low carbon DC motor, brings significant energy savings and will help reduce a home’s carbon footprint. Vent-Axia’s Heat Recovery Retrofit Solution has been specifically designed for easy, lower cost retrofit of heat recovery to save maximum energy and emissions in the social housing sector. The Heat Recovery Retrofit Solution range consists of three different Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery units, which can be used together to help improve IAQ and maximise energy savings by introducing heat recovery to the property. The range comprises: the Lo-Carbon Heat Save and the Lo-Carbon Tempra, which are both wall-mounted through-the-wall units; and the Lo-Carbon Calido, which utilises a simplified ducting system that can run within the home to supply fresh filtered air to a different room. For more from Vent-Axia, click here.

New EV wall charger offers faster and cheaper charging

With more people choosing to switch to an electric car, consumers are increasingly looking for more efficient ways to charge their vehicles at home. Installing an EV wall charger, such as the BG Sync EV Wall Charger 2 from Luceco – which now offers integrated solar charging - is proving both a popular and money-saving option for consumers. Additionally, it can be a great upsell and customer lock-in opportunity for installers, the company states. With over 20,000 UK homes per month installing solar PV, an entirely new market is open to installers who can now offer an efficient, value-for-money EV charger where integrated solar charging is already included. Thanks to the intuitive smartphone app, homeowners can also cut their home-based EV charging costs with the Sync EV Wall Charger 2. By utilising surplus solar energy from their existing solar panels (with no modifications to panels required) instead of having any surplus directed back to the grid, homeowners can potentially charge their electric vehicles for free with Sync EV. In addition, with personalised settings such as scheduled charging and optimised cut-off points - allowing users to charge dynamically and maximise cheap rates of electricity - the Sync EV Wall Charger 2 delivers a faster home charge compared to plugging a charging cable directly into a three-pin socket which gives a very slow charge at a fixed rate – which is both inconvenient and less cost-effective. Designed with sleek aesthetics, and no compromise on practicalities, the Sync EV Wall Charger 2 is available in two versions - tethered and untethered - to suit individual needs. The tethered option, which comes with an integral 7.5m fixed wraparound cable that is fitted with a very user-friendly charging gun for attaching to the vehicle, provides a neat, tidy and safe solution. And, since the charger uses personalised settings, customers can rest-assured that they are completely in control of who uses their charger, and rogue charges are no longer possible. The untethered version, ideal for those who already own cables, is completely unpluggable, providing flexibility when using commercial chargers away from home. With a charging capacity of up to 7.4KW with a standard household single-phase electrical supply, and a three-phase version available which can deliver up to 22KW that is ideal for commercial customers, the Sync EV Wall Charger 2 (which is controlled via a smartphone) allows users to rent out their charger, for example to neighbours, providing additional income. Coming in a range of eight interchangeable colours options - traffic white, signal grey, sandstone yellow, signal red, jet black, blue grey, deep blue and racing green - customers can co-ordinate their EV tech with their electric vehicle. The EV Wall Charger 2 has a three-year warranty, is CE-approved and stringently tested to ensure complete confidence and peace of mind. It is available now from syncev.co.uk and from all good electrical wholesalers. The Luceco Group, which also includes the Luceco Lighting, BG Electrical, and Masterplug brands has over 70 years of industry experience and is renowned for its key electrical products. For more from Luceco, click here.

Signify innovations support transition to sustainable workspaces

Lighting expert, Signify, has introduced a new range of products that effectively illuminate workspaces, support productivity and accelerate the transition to energy-efficient, sustainable buildings. “Signify is setting the standard for office lighting, investing in understanding and anticipating our customers’ needs, and developing products that fit,” says Sophie Breton, Professional Business Leader for Europe at Signify. “With buildings responsible for 40% of energy consumption and 36% of greenhouse gas emissions in the EU, there is an urgent need for businesses to transition to energy efficient, sustainable workspaces. We are driving down energy use with our UltraEfficient range, saving installation time and cost for our customers, while minimising the use of materials with our 3D-printed Essentials and Grand range, and reducing the amount of plastics in our trade packaging by 70%.” Signify continues to expand its UltraEfficient (UE) range, with new panels, recessed luminaires, and downlights that help businesses lower their carbon emissions, while delivering substantial cost savings over time: Philips UltraEfficient TrueBlend is a recessed fitting, suitable for a wide variety of ceiling types that can simplify the process of switching to LEDs. Its modular design makes it possible to fit TrueBlend luminaires in the same cutout as existing fittings, with the aim of delivering time and cost savings for the customer. Philips PowerBalance UE recessed luminaires and Philips LuxSpace UE downlights come with an ultra-high efficacy (up to 174 lm/W and 160 lm/W resp.), tunable white option, and a lifetime of 50,000 hours at L90. With these UltraEfficient luminaires, users can yield energy savings of up to 21.7% compared to other comparable LED luminaires. With a similar look, feel and light distribution, they allow for an easy replacement of current luminaires. They also meet Signify’s strict Lighting for Circularity criteria, with parts that are serviceable, reuseable, refurbishable and recyclable. The UltraEfficient range will be further extended with the Philips UltraEfficient CoreLine panel in May 2024. Also available from Signify, and developed to transform offices into inspiring places to work, the Philips MyCreation range is 3D-printed using bio-circular materials, offering unparalleled functionality and customisation with a wide range of colours, textures and designs to choose from. All MyCreation products are printed to order, which reduces waste (as no excess products are produced). The MyCreation Essential downlighter is made from at least 55% bio-circular plastics. Integrated emergency lighting is available later this month, with wall-mounted lighting coming in May. The MyCreation Grand Pendant, also made with 55% bio-circular printed parts, is designed to offer a stylish and functional lighting design, with the ability to connect to different lighting systems. The GreenSpace PerfectFit is available in many sizes to fit any space in the ceiling. With housings and trims made with at least 65% post-industrial recycled polycarbonate, it is 3D-printed to order, which - according to Signify - makes it ideal for renovation projects. For more from Signify, click here.

BEAMA launches Net Zero Service to aid decarbonisation goals

BEAMA, the UK manufacturing trade association for energy-related infrastructure and building systems and services, has announced the launch of a new Net Zero Service. Dedicated to supporting members in navigating the transition to Net Zero, BEAMA says that this initiative underscores its commitment to Net Zero and driving achievable but ambitious industry-wide change. As key suppliers of Net Zero enabling technologies into the electricity grid, EV charging infrastructure, and buildings, BEAMA's members play a pivotal role in advancing decarbonisation efforts. The Net Zero Service is designed to equip these stakeholders with a comprehensive corporate toolkit tailored to the evolving landscape of industrial decarbonisation and the need to reduce manufacturer’s emitted and embodied carbon whilst incorporating measures to align with a circular economy. "At BEAMA, we recognise the urgent imperative to decarbonise and are dedicated to empowering our members to lead the charge towards the industrial decarbonisation required for Net Zero," says Yselkla Farmer, CEO at BEAMA. "Our Net Zero Service is a testament to our commitment to fostering collaboration, sharing best practices, and advocating for clear government policies to accelerate the transition in this space whilst ensuring it remains clear, comparable and achievable." Key components of this member only Net Zero Service include: 1. Educational Resources: Dedicated toolkits covering essential Net Zero and sustainability topics, including climate commitments, transition plans and finance, offsetting and general guidance to reduce all scoped emissions. These resources encompass a wealth of educational materials, market tools, case studies, and standards to guide members in their decarbonisation journey. 2. Collaboration and Learning Opportunities: A series of events, webinars, and workshops to facilitate community learning and collaboration. These aim to support engagement between members and companies across the supply chain and wider market. 3. Technical Sustainability Committee: A specialised committee will be established to review and actively participate in the development of relevant standards and best practices, with ad-hoc task and finish groups emerging to address market and supply chain challenges and opportunities. "We are thrilled by the overwhelming response from our members to this initiative," adds Yselkla. "Together with our members and working closely with Government, the market and wider industry, we will commit to translating Net Zero into commercial application to drive meaningful progress towards a sustainable future." BEAMA tells us that it remains steadfast in its mission to provide members with the knowledge and guidance needed to navigate the complexities of decarbonisation and embrace a circular economy. This is not something which can be done in isolation, the company states, and BEAMA welcomes collaboration and partnerships across industry, the market and Government initiatives in this space. For more from BEAMA, click here.

Danbro Electrical sponsors new defibrillator installation

On 28 March 2024, Danbro Electrical Services met with the headteacher of Westfield Academy, Mr Body, to hand over the new defibrillator to the school. This donation is the beginning of a community programme of sponsoring a new defibrillator installation in community spaces in Watford, which is where Danbro’s offices are situated. Danbro is owned by three directors, all based in and around Watford. They are all active sportsmen, with one of the directors still playing football at a semi-professional level. One of the engineers is a football coach and his children play for teams that train at the football pitches at the Westfield Academy, so making an initial decision to sponsor a new defibrillator at the school sports ground was an easy one. Prompt CPR and defibrillation make the difference between life and death and, according to the British Heart Foundation, there are around 30,000 heart attacks every year in the UK outside of a hospital setting. If a defibrillator is used within two to five minutes survival rate jumps from 6% to 74%. Danbro Electrical Services will register the new machine with The Circuit, the national network of defibrillators used by the NHS ambulance service that provides an essential information service to help save lives. Jamie Moon, Director of Danbro Electrical Services Limited, says, "We have been thinking about how we can support our local community for some time and sponsoring a defibrillator in our local area enables us to use our skills to install the machine, support local sports, which we are all passionate about, and also provide a life-saving piece of equipment next to a well-used sports facility." Mr Body, Headteacher at The Westfield Academy, said “ Mr Body, Headteacher at Westfield Academy, says, “We couldn’t be more grateful for this donation of a defibrillator at Westfield Academy. Thank you so much to the directors of Danbro Electrical for their support and consideration of all of our community.” Danbro Electrical Services has a team of 20 engineers working on domestic and commercial electrical jobs in London and Hertfordshire. The installation of this defibrillator is the first donation to the local community, and the company intends to sponsor at least one a year from now on. Local sports fields without a defibrillator are invited to apply at info@danbroelectrical.co.uk.

Wevo Energy is now part of SolarEdge

SolarEdge Technologies, a global smart energy leader, has announced that it has completed the acquisition of Wevo Energy. Wevo will become a wholly owned subsidiary of SolarEdge and continue to work independently to electrify every parking space by utilising its hardware-agnostic, standards-based EV charging platform. The Wevo solution will also be integrated into the SolarEdge offering, providing SolarEdge customers with an integrated solution for on-site solar generation, battery storage, and EV charging. Teddy Flatau, CEO of Wevo Energy, comments, “Wevo's mission has always been to make EV charging accessible by electrifying every parking space. By joining forces with SolarEdge, we are creating a powerful combined solution. Together, we will offer a seamless experience for EV drivers, optimising charging with clean, solar-powered energy and maximising cost savings. This is a significant step forward to achieving a net-zero future.” Wevo’s platform manages EV charging using AI-based algorithms to increase charging capacity and overcome infrastructure constraints. This approach makes the Wevo solution ideal for large-scale EV charging installations in apartment buildings, workplaces, parking areas, and other ‘high density’ charging scenarios that suffer from power constraints, lack grid infrastructure, and have diverse billing needs. The Wevo platform is electrifying tens of thousands of parking spaces across over 900 sites in North America, Europe, and the Middle East. For more from SolarEdge Technologies, click here.

CEF to stock new Firestay Geo Modular Downlight

CEF has announced that the Bell Lighting Firestay Geo-Modular Downlight range, a new eco-friendly and sustainable downlighting solution, will now be stocked nationwide. The Geo-Mod promises around 50,000 hours of light and can be replaced approximately every 15 years, or less depending on average usage. And with Bell Lighting’s patented technology, it means that 90% of the materials used are able to be reused, with the final 10% able to be recycled. This makes for a highly sustainable system, while also building on the existing green credentials of LED lighting. The fitting for the system (the Firestay Geo Housing) is designed to be used for life, rather than needing to be switched out like some other LED bulbs. The housing is also fully recyclable or reusable, meaning that customers have a more sustainable option and can also save money over time. Paul Brookes, Head of Procurement and Category Management from CEF, says, “We are proud to stock Bell Lighting’s Firestay Geo range, and offer even more sustainable and energy efficient options to our customers. The Geo range and their patented designs are helping to push the envelope in the area of LED lighting, offering consumers better sustainability and money saving options.” The Geo-Mod bezels are available in white, satin, chrome, brass, antique brass and matte black, with one to match any home décor. The Geo-Mod itself is also available in a number of different lighting temperature and colour options, from 2700-6000K offering a fit for many rooms or décor styles. The Geo-Mod costs £11.70, with the Geo- Housing at £9.30 and a selection of specially designed bezels at £2.94 each. All are available in store at CEF branches or on the CEF website at www.cef.co.uk. For more from CEF, click here.

CU Phosco Lighting announces competition winner

CU Phosco Lighting has announced Ben Humphrys, Operations Director at Electrical Testing Ltd, as the lucky winner of its 100th anniversary competition. The prize was a two-week vacation to Sydney, Australia as part of the manufacturer's centenary celebrations which took place last year. Entrants had to answer the following question: Name a film set to which CU Phosco Lighting has supplied lighting products. The answer was hidden in a recent 100 facts blog available on the company's website. Ben, the prize winner, states, "It doesn't feel quite real yet. I never win anything and never really expect to. I am extremely excited to win this and look forward to the experience." CU Phosco Lighting tells us that the winner's reaction was one of confusion, as Ben had forgotten entering the competition via a LinkedIn post - but he quickly embraced the excitement of his unexpected win. Ben, who has been in the industry for over 20 years, has said that he's incredibly excited to share the experience with his family, and is looking forward to exploring iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. Reflecting on his long-standing relationship with CU Phosco Lighting, Ben commented on the company's approachability, flexibility, and commitment to excellent service. Having been a customer for over two decades, he highlighted CU Phosco lighting's consistency in treating every order with equal importance, regardless of size, and their willingness to go above and beyond to meet urgent requests. Matt Murray, Sales and Marketing Director at CU Phosco Lighting, says, "We congratulate Ben again on winning his trip to Australia and thank everyone who entered and participated in our centenary celebrations." For more from CU Phosco Lighting, click here.

100,000 customers say no to electrical DIY

The NICEIC 'Don't DIY' campaign has surpassed a major milestone, connecting over 100,000 customers across the UK with certified electrical businesses. This achievement highlights the campaign's success in raising awareness of electrical safety and empowering homeowners to say 'no' to electrical DIY. Electrical work in the home can be dangerous if not completed by a qualified and competent electrician. According to Electrical Safety First, over half of accidental domestic fires in the UK are caused by electrical faults. Statistics reveal that every year, hundreds of people are affected by the consequences of unsafe electrical work carried out by unqualified individuals. In response to this critical issue, NICEIC, the UK's leading certification body for the electrical industry, launched the 'Don't DIY' campaign. This multi-platform campaign, reaching audiences on Google, Meta, and TikTok, educates customers about the risks of attempting electrical work themselves and the importance of using an NICEIC-certified electrician. "We are delighted with the positive response to the campaign," says NICIEC Head of Marketing and Communications, Sarah Gammon. "Connecting over 100,000 customers to NICEIC-certified businesses is a testament to the campaign's effectiveness in helping homeowners make informed decisions regarding their electrical needs." By utilising the NICEIC's 'Find a Trusted Tradesperson' tool, customers can easily locate a local NICEIC-certified business, ensuring electrical work is completed safely and to the highest standards. The NICEIC believes that the safest way to do DIY electrics is not to do them at all. You can find an NICEIC-certified business near you by visiting niceic.com/find-a-tradesperson. For more from NICEIC, click here.

Electricians urged to get ready for Britain's battery boom

As the UK continues to lead the way in energy storage investment, NICEIC is encouraging electricians to start upskilling to prepare for growing demand and, in turn, help play a lead role in the clean energy transition. Amid rising energy prices and a sense of growing eco-responsibility, recent years have seen an unprecedented increase in home energy storage by using batteries. According to recent figures, 2023 saw a huge 1,700% year-on-year increase in annual battery storage installation. Across the board, a separate study reveals the total battery project pipeline now stands at 84.8GW as of December 2023, comprising a year-on-year increase of 50.3GW. In light of this, NICEIC is advocating for electrical contractors to upskill into energy storage systems as a way to support customers to reduce energy costs, gain energy security and lower their carbon footprint. NICEIC Technical Director, Paul Collins, takes up the story: “British householders are paying far more for electricity than they were a couple of years ago. In fact, it was recently reported that UK energy prices have risen faster than almost any other developed country since 2019. In this way, reducing reliance on the national grid is becoming increasingly attractive for those seeking to reduce energy costs and also do their bit for the planet. “A critical component of this marked shift is energy storage. For those homeowners with rooftop solar panels, what’s great about adding battery storage is that it can allow them to become self-sufficient and negate the need for grid supply. This can save the average consumer hundreds of pounds a year and relieve cost of living pressures. Another big benefit is that these systems can provide critical backup power – something which is becoming a bigger consideration amid grid insecurity issues. “Another option is where consumers use storage to reduce bills by purchasing energy at a low tariff at a time when there is a low demand and store it to meet an internal demand at other times; usually when consumption peaks, typically during the evening. “And this is just the beginning. As the current energy system evolves to become more distributed, interconnected and decentralised, we’re likely to see this new age of prosumers become active stakeholders and sell surplus self-generation back to the grid. “The upshot is that installers have a huge new revenue opportunity as homeowners will increasingly turn to them for advice on the latest and most advanced energy storage solutions and help them to decide the most suitable approach for their home and needs. “With this, it is now more crucial than ever that they invest in upskilling on the installation of these technologies to ensure they have a solid understanding of the electrical requirements and are better placed to unlock the opportunity.” To provide a helping hand, NICEIC has introduced a new qualification on Electrical Energy Storage Systems (EESS) for certified businesses seeking to upskill their electricians’ knowledge and competence in this important innovation category. Covering the design, installation and commissioning of Electrical Energy Storage Systems, the two and a half day EAL accredited qualification complements NICEIC’s popular four-day solar qualification. Neil Vincent, NICEIC Head of Business Development & Strategic Partnerships, comments, “Battery storage is quickly emerging as a critical component in unlocking the full potential of solar power, not just in terms of renewable optimisation, but also contributing to energy security. Our new offering reflects these needs, and has been purposefully designed to complement our solar course so that our certified installers are able to provide a full solar-storage package.” To discover more about the latest qualifications offered by NICEIC Training, visit www.niceic.com/training. For more from NICEIC, click here.