UWE and Prefect Controls' collaborative win at the Energy Saving Awards 2023

Prefect Controls and UWE have announced their collaborative project at the Frenchay Campus in Bristol, being awarded 'Education Sector Project of the Year' at the Energy Saving Awards 2023. The project comprises more than 2,000 rooms controlled by the Irus Building Energy Management System (BeMS), generating savings of 800,000+kWh annually. HobSensus, the latest phase in the project, is a kitchen safety device monitoring hobs by automatically switching them off when left unattended or when temperatures on cooking surfaces exceed safety levels. Incorporating the Irus system permits managers to view energy consumption remotely on a dedicated portal, along with a depleted battery alert and repeat alarm triggers. Kirsti Norris, Energy Manager at UWE, expresses her satisfaction with the service provided by Prefect and states, “I am delighted that Prefect Controls have received recognition of their fantastic product and customer service. The Irus system has made UWE significant energy, money, and carbon savings. It has also improved the comfort of our students and the service we give through improved controllability of the accommodation heating systems. The Prefect Controls teams are a pleasure to work with and well-worthy of this award.” In his award speech, Adrian Barber, Marketing Manager at Prefect Controls, states, “This has been a tremendous year for Irus. We have added more rooms to the portal than ever, bringing the total close to 55,000.” He continues, ''Recognition of the real-world benefits of Irus for student accommodation will hopefully help to spread the word that net zero targets and carbon reduction are easier to achieve, along with significant cost savings, when Irus is part of the strategy”. The Energy Saving Awards, organised by Datateam Business Media, celebrates professionals, projects, and products across the energy management sectors.

Plumbing association voices frustration with delay in phasing out gas boilers

Fiona Hodgson, Chief Executive of the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers Federation (SNIPEF), has expressed discontent with the Scottish Government's tardy attempt at phasing out gas boilers. "SNIPEF has consistently questioned the government's unrealistic targets for phasing out fossil fuel boilers," Fiona states. "This delay, although not entirely unexpected after various U-turns at Westminster, significantly undermines the efforts and investments made by our profession to meet these targets and will undoubtedly foster uncertainty in the public's mind. "While some plumbing and heating companies refrained from investing in new skills and technologies, anticipating a revision of the targets, others, who heavily committed to the transition, are now facing the challenge of managing potential revenue losses." Looking to the future, Fiona called for greater collaboration, understanding, and agreement between the government and industry experts. "In setting future targets, the insights and expertise of industry professionals must be actively integrated into the planning process. Balancing political aspirations with realism is crucial to ensure alignment between the relevant professions and the public with Holyrood's aspirations," she advises. Fiona emphasises the need for more substantial support in upskilling within the plumbing and heating profession, contrasting with better-financed initiatives in England. “This period of grace should be used to properly invest in upskilling the workforce, allocating specific funds for developing low-carbon skills essential for the transition to low-carbon heating systems.” Despite revising the targets, Fiona reaffirmed SNIPEF's commitment to sustainable practices. "We remain dedicated to championing low carbon heating solutions and advocating for the necessary support to ensure a seamless transition," she concludes.

LEDVANCE launches EVERLOOP: A series of sustainable luminaires

LEDVANCE has introduced a sub-brand responsible for its sustainability initiatives called LEDVANCE LOOP. This model covers all efforts and measures across the company to help transform the lighting industry and improve its green credentials. LEDVANCE LOOP also contains circular products under the EVERLOOP series. The lighting experts from LEDVANCE launched a new product series, EVERLOOP, featuring luminaires with conveniently replaceable LED light sources and drivers. The replaceable nature of EVERLOOP products maximises the lifespan of a luminaire and simultaneously eliminates the disposal of complete luminaires, contributing to less electronic waste. EVERLOOP products are a sustainable and convenient choice for installers, planners, and facility managers. The products ensure the sustainable efficiency of industrial, office and public building applications. The first available model of the series is the LEDVANCE Linear IndiviLED Gen 2 in December 2023, offering both direct and indirect versions with On/Off or DALI options, respectively. The range includes CRI90 and UGR<19, making it perfect for office applications. In addition to an extended lifetime, reduced waste, and cost savings, buildings preserve their appearance. ''EVERLOOP is our answer to the challenge of going from a linear to a circular product lifecycle for luminaires, contributing to the EU's plan to reduce electronic waste,” says Nuno Paiva, Head of Professional Portfolio Management at LEDVANCE. ''The key feature of EVERLOOP luminaires is that critical components, such as the light sources and drivers, are conveniently upgradeable or replaceable, with available spare parts. That makes the luminaire EVER-lasting. In the future, we intend to integrate this feature into more of our luminaire series to save material and minimise waste.” The IndiviLED range will be expanded in spring 2024 with further types in black and accessories to create a complete lighting system.

Unwrap the festive spirit with KNIPEX

Get ready for a merry ride as KNIPEX has unveiled its annual advent calendar giveaway. Unlock daily surprises on the KNIPEX website, where each window reveals a treasure trove of bestselling tools, with up to five prizes awaiting you every day. Discover gems like the one-handed precision of the KNIPEX TubiX Pipe Cutter (90 31 02 BK) and the versatile mastery of the KNIPEX CoBolt (71 31 200), your go-to for pulling, gripping, and cutting through nails, rivets, and more. Other surprises include the KNIPEX NexStrip (12 72 190), a Pipe Cutter for composite and plastic pipes (90 25 25) taking up to 60% less effort to use, and the Long Reach Needle Nose Pliers (28 81 280), designed for precision in gripping, adjusting and assembly work in hard-to-reach corners. As the clock ticks to Christmas Eve, get ready for the grand finale – the Tool Backpack Modular X18 Electro (00 21 50 E). It’s made from a robust, waterproof fabric and a moulded base with impact-resistant plastic. The backpack ensures a secure upright position when opened or closed. The season of giving just became a whole lot more exciting with KNIPEX!

Vent-Axia’s Sentinel Apex wins second award

Vent-Axia has impressed the judges at the inaugural ECN Awards 2023. The Sussex-based company scooped the ‘HVAC Product of the Year’ award with its Vent-Axia Sentinel Apex, the next generation of commercial heat recovery ventilation. Vent-Axia received the accolade at the glittering ECN awards ceremony on Thursday 30 November, held at the Heart of England Conference and Events Centre in Coventry. Organised by Electrical Contracting News, the ECN Awards is designed to recognise the very best of the electrical contracting industry with 19 awards spanning the following categories: Products, Sustainable Products, Projects, Training and Companies. Attended by influential electrical specialists from across the whole supply chain, Paul Martin, comedian, magician and mind-reader, hosted the evening and presented the awards to the winners. Meanwhile, guests were also entertained by magician, Spencer Wood, who performed close-up magic at the tables. The standard of entries within the HVAC Product of the Year category was said to be exceptionally high. After a rigorous judging process, the judges selected the Sentinel Apex. Designed to be highly energy efficient with industry-leading low specific fan powers (SFP), the Sentinel Apex has a low embodied carbon too. Occupant comfort has also been a priority in its development with the Apex operating quietly, as it efficiently improves indoor air quality (IAQ). Meanwhile, to make specification simpler for consultants, the Apex features many components and controls as standard. “We are delighted our Vent-Axia Sentinel Apex won the ‘HVAC Product of the Year’ at the prestigious ECN Awards. This marks the second award for the Apex in the last month. At Vent-Axia, we understand the challenges that come with designing low-carbon buildings, therefore, every aspect has been considered in the Apex’s development to maximise its energy efficiency and performance, while providing excellent IAQ, ultra-low sound levels and thermal comfort. We have also designed the Apex to have a low embodied carbon footprint, and to help consultants, we have used CIBSE TM65 data collection methodology to provide accurate and detailed carbon information,” says Louise McHugh, C&I Product Manager. The Sentinel Apex achieves the holy grail by delivering the highest level of IAQ and thermal comfort with the lowest energy and noise levels. Offering up to 93% heat recovery efficiency (EN308 test method), alongside ultra-low sound levels, which are independently tested and verified by Sound Research Laboratories, and extremely low SFP, results in a significant performance improvement compared to previous commercial heat recovery units. Meanwhile, Sentinel Apex's intuitive controls are compatible with Vent-Axia’s range of Sentinel-X Sensors, allowing easily configurable set points ensuring optimised IAQ, in line with Part F of the Building Regulations, while also minimising ventilation energy consumption. To help ensure the highest levels of IAQ, Apex features ePM10 50% extract and ePM1 55% supply filters (M5/F7 equivalent) as standard. By carefully selecting the filter media and utilising the latest motors and impellers with better than IE5 efficiency, Apex maintains extremely low SFP with low sound levels whilst maintaining excellent IAQ. As well as IAQ and energy efficiency, thermal comfort is vital in our buildings. As buildings become increasingly airtight the threat of buildings overheating is growing. The Sentinel Apex is the ideal solution since it features an integral automatic summer bypass designed to provide free cooling when available but is sized to eliminate performance loss. Developed for a wide range of applications, specifiers can choose from five sizes, delivering airflows up to 4000m3/hr. Designed to operate on the principles of demand ventilation the Apex is ideal for applications where the rooms are used at different times of the day by a variable number of people. The Sentinel Apex system, with the matched range of Sentinel-X Sensors, can monitor occupancy and air quality and respond by adjusting the ventilation accordingly to maintain the IAQ and thermal comfort within predefined limits whilst recovering up to 93% of the extracted thermal energy. The Apex’s new advanced integrated control system has three levels of interface, all as standard: Simple purpose designed onboard user interface controller incorporating an alphanumerical, two-line display that lets users know how the system is operating with four-button keypad for fan status and a basic commissioning setup mounted within the control panel. This allows easy commissioning and set-up. A full range of wired and wireless communication sensors are available, with either local mains or battery powered options. Offering ‘simply more as standard’, the Sentinel Apex boasts a range of features, components and controls that come as standard with the unit. This means consultants do not need to specify multiple different components or precisely specify the level of control required when selecting a commercial heat recovery unit. This makes specification simpler and saves time. Designed to have a low embodied carbon footprint, Vent-Axia has used the CIBSE TM65 data collection methodology to collect accurate, detailed embodied carbon information for the Apex, working from a component level up. This methodology ensures data is comprehensive, accurate, reliable and up-to-date, making it easier for specifiers to focus on designing low carbon sustainable buildings. The Sentinel Apex’s ECN ‘HVAC Product of the Year’ award is the Apex’s second award win in a month, since it recently won ‘Commercial/Industrial Ventilation Product of the Year’ category at the HVR Awards 2023. Hot on the heels of these successes, the Apex was also highly commended on 1 December at the Energy Saving Awards. For further information on the new Sentinel Apex contact the Vent-Axia Commercial & Industrial sales team: projectorders@vent-axia.com. 

Fluke announces major expansion of Premium Care support packages

Fluke has announced the expansion of its Premium Care support packages, including an extensive range of industrial and electrical tools. Fluke Premium Care covers the routine calibration and performance checks of tools, ensuring compliance with the latest standards, including repairing and replacing damaged accessories. Fluke’s priority technical support enables customers to solve critical equipment challenges quickly. Fluke Premium Care can now cover selected tools from Fluke: acoustic imagers, power quality analysers and loggers, multifunction PV testers and performance analysers, ScopeMeters, motor drive analysers and process calibration tools. However, Chris Ulfig, Technical Sales Manager of Fluke, has emphasised that Premium Care should not be viewed as additional insurance or an extended warranty. Testing, calibration and compliance In representing a cost-effective way for customers to upkeep their tools, Fluke Premium Care provides coverage above and beyond a tool’s original product warranty. Thus helping users avoid unexpected downtime caused by damaged test equipment, accessories, or tools that need calibration or repair. Annual cost comparisons show that upgrading to a Fluke Premium Care plan can save thousands on equipment maintenance and repair. The package supports customers who need their industrial tools to be calibrated or performance-tested annually. The offer of expedited calibration, repair and freight results in customers optimising their time by swiftly resuming work whilst maximising efficiency, safety, and productivity in the workplace. Accuracy and reliability cut operational costs and increase ROI Fluke’s ii900 Industrial Acoustic Imager and ii910 Precision Acoustic Imager can now come bundled with a one or three-year Fluke Premium Care plan. Fluke’s acoustic cameras are the fastest way for maintenance teams to accurately locate air, gas, and vacuum leaks within compressed gas systems. Seemingly minute issues can significantly impact a company’s operational costs. Measurement tools used to generate safety and performance reports, such as power quality analysers or multifunction testers, require regular calibration to guarantee precise measurements. With Fluke Premium Care, the return on investment from Fluke’s industrial and electrical tools is substantially increased. Fluke Premium Care is a comprehensive solution offering greater peace of mind for electrical contractors and maintenance technicians working in the residential, commercial and industrial sectors.

Carhartt launches its ‘Win a Handyman’ competition

It’s the same old story for hard-working tradespeople; you’re so busy working on your customers’ projects that the work you have been meaning to do at home is held off. But now, thanks to Carhartt, trade professionals have the chance to transform their ‘To Do’ list into their ‘Wish List’ with the Carhartt ‘Win a Handyman’ Christmas Competition. Carhartt, which has been protecting hard workers with top-quality workwear since 1889, is offering a ‘handyman credit’ worth £1,500 so you can finally get around to fitting that last skirting board, installing the trampoline or hanging that light. “With this competition, we are reaching out to hardworking people who are already incredibly busy,” explains Carhartt’s Marketing Manager EMEA/PAC Marga Stehmann. “If you ask someone what they’d like for Christmas, they struggle to come up with a couple of ideas. But if you ask about all the things that still need to be fixed around the house, they can list them in an instant!” How to enter Anyone can enter from 6-20 December 2023. Terms and conditions apply. Simply let Carhartt know what still needs to be done around your home and why you should win the Carhartt handyman credit. A jury will choose the winners with the best stories and jobs that cannot be left undone any longer. Marga continues, “We're not going to renovate entire houses or construct any gardens, but we would love to sort out as many small annoyances as possible. From squeaky kitchen cabinets to sealing the shower tray. A scratch card promotion at selected Carhartt Workwear stockists means that merchant customers will also have an extra chance to win handyman credit and other prizes.’’ “When you're already working so hard, time flies and before you know it you’ve reached the end of yet another year full of jobs left undone. We are now offering people whose plans exceed the time they have available the chance to win a handyman credit. So, they can go into the new year with an empty to do list and a settled mind – even if it’s only for a little while.” The most useful present under the tree! Obviously, tradespeople can sign up for this promotion for themselves. But how great would it be to surprise someone else with a handyman under the tree? If you know someone who could use the help of a handyman, you are more than welcome to try to win the main prize on their behalf.

UAE's IT capacity dominates MENA data centre landscape

The United Arab Emirates has recorded a 15.3% increase in live IT capacity in 2023, reaching 235.3MW, making it the largest data centre hub in the MENA region, according to Knight Frank's Data Centres MENA report. This increase is part of a wider expansion, with a 64MW rise in aggregate supply, or a 12.1% growth. Currently, the UAE boasts a total IT capacity of 592MW, including 180.3MW that is actively under construction, underscoring the nation's strategic expansion of the technology sector. The MENA region is experiencing a significant surge in demand for data centres, driven by several factors, such as the rise in digitisation, resilient connectivity needs, and the widespread adoption of cutting-edge technologies. The UAE emerges as a pivotal player in this landscape, hosting the largest concentration of data centres in the Middle East. Knight Frank's report finds that blockchain increasingly features transactions in the UAE, showcasing the country's commitment to technological advancements. Artificial intelligence (AI) is also anticipated to bring substantial benefits and growth to the Middle East's Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), as the technology matures and usage increases. These 'next wave' technological advances will accelerate the need for a robust digital foundation. Sustainability takes centre stage in the region's positioning, which is evident in projects such as the Dubai Electricity and Water Association (DEWA) innovation hub — a 1.2GW solar farm underway to support sustainability initiatives. Across the UAE, major players like Gulf Data Hub, Khazna Data Centres, Morohub, Equinix, and Microsoft actively contribute to this growth through expansion projects and partnerships. As the UAE continues to ease regulations and support investments in digitalisation, projects like the 'Smart City Strategy', the region is poised to witness an unprecedented demand for digital infrastructure and data centres. Stephen Beard, Co-Head of Global Data Centres at Knight Frank, says, “In the dynamic MENA market, data centres are in high demand, and growth is not a matter of 'if' but 'when'. The infrastructure is ready, and expansion opportunities abound through brownfield development or M&A. “There is a burgeoning enterprise market. With most existing and newly created OpCo's pivoting towards hyperscale BTS, there is ample room for traditional colocation customers to develop and provide true colocation space. “Across the Middle East, over a quarter of the population is between 15 and 29 years of age. This section of the population is important to future data centre growth, as it comfortably embraces technology for a broad spectrum of educational, professional and social needs. Therefore, the demands placed on data centre services will only increase, making it a prime opportunity for Knight Frank to contribute to this exciting growth." The MENA region encompasses neighbouring countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, and Qatar, all witnessing increasing interest in their respective data centre sectors. Stephen Beard concludes, "As of Q3 2023, these nations collectively represent a live IT capacity of 101.17MW, with steady economic growth indicated by an average annual GDP growth of 21.98% and a CAGR GDP forecast for the region at 5.47% through 2028. “Markets like Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, and Qatar are experiencing data centre growth, anticipating a need for 500MW and an investment of approximately c.$5bn over the next seven to nine years. What's striking is the convergence of factors that drive this expansion, such as, government support, digital investments, and a steadfast commitment to diversification. Collectively, these nations exemplify the region's unwavering dedication to technological advancement. With expanding IT capacity and a promising economic outlook, the horizon for data centres in the MENA region shines brilliantly."

Zumtobel’s luminaire revolutionises lighting

Zumtobel has introduced TRAMAO, a ground-breaking pendant luminaire merging high light quality, effective sound absorption, and contemporary design. Ideal for offices, hotels, and restaurants, TRAMAO blends aesthetics with functionality, catering to optimal visual conditions and a tranquil ambience. This collaborative creation by Zumtobel and Typico offers a multisensory experience, fusing high-quality light, acoustic excellence, stimulating materials, and customisable colour choices. TRAMAO, available in two sizes, 19 colour variants, two optics, various colour temperatures, and control options, strikes the perfect balance between standard and bespoke design. Crafted with sustainability in mind, TRAMAO utilises a high proportion of recyclable materials, making it an eco-friendly choice for modern office spaces and hospitality settings. The luminaire's name, derived from the Italian word 'trama', meaning 'texture', reflects its textile nature. The felt-look fleece cover enhances the room aesthetically and ensures effective sound-wave absorption, fostering heightened sensory awareness. TRAMAO's inspiring design, a fusion of Zumtobel's lighting expertise and Typico's textile design proficiency, significantly reduces installation work and costs. The slimline suspended luminaire body seamlessly integrates with interior spaces, offering a range of colour options to complement the room's palette. Handcrafted in Austria's Vorarlberg region, TRAMAO comes in two textile optics — opal and coffered. The opal optic provides uniform light distribution, creating a calm, harmonious ambience, while the coffered optic enhances sound absorption with a striking design reminiscent of antique coffered ceilings. Available in two sizes, TRAMAO and TRAMAO S, customers can choose the luminaire variant that best suits their spatial design preferences. With its minimalist design, the slimline TRAMAO S version is perfect for clean, uncluttered room aesthetics. TRAMAO offers wireless control options through Bluetooth or DALI, allowing users to personalise the lighting experience. The luminaire supports tunableWhite on request, providing different colour temperatures throughout the day to align with circadian rhythms. Lighting control options include basicDIM Wireless and a mobile app, ensuring flexibility and convenience. Designed with conservation in mind, TRAMAO's easy disassembly into individual components and the use of materials focused on the circular economy, such as aluminium and recyclable fleece cover, contribute to its eco-friendly profile. With up to 45% of its weight in aluminium, TRAMAO ensures exceptional material quality and easy recyclability. In summary, TRAMAO redefines the lighting landscape, offering a harmonious blend of aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for modern and eco-conscious spaces.

ECN Awards winners announced!

The inaugural ECN Awards, organised by Electrical Contracting News and sponsored by Sonos, CEF, Essential Install magazine, Schneider Electric, Selectric, and Webro, was a resounding success. Held on Thursday 30 November, at the Heart of England Conference and Events Centre in Coventry, the event was attended by many of the electrical contracting industry’s brightest sparks. The attendees were dazzled by the ECN signature red theme and thrilled to witness the deserving companies and individuals take home a prestigious ECN Award. The ECN Awards were created to recognise the very best of the electrical contracting industry. The organisers believe that those who work tirelessly to make all sectors of the industry safer, more advanced, more efficient, and more sustainable deserve recognition, and the winners certainly received that recognition during the awards ceremony. The awards are a testament to their dedication and hard work. A panel of independent industry experts - Frank Bertie, Chief Technical Officer, NAPIT; Paul Collins, Technical Director, NICEIC; Gary Parker, Senior Technical Manager, ECA; Darren Staniforth, Head of Technical Solutions, CEF; David Watts, CEO, SparkyNinja; and Robin Whitehead, CEO, BGEN - judged the awards. They selected the winners from a very large pool of entries and did a fantastic job. ECN Awards winners 2023 Cabling/Cable Management Product of the Year: Wrexham Mineral Cables – Mineral Insulated Copper Clad (MICC) Cable Circuit Protection Product of the Year: Hager UK – AFDD with ProTools Fire Safety Product of the Year: Aico – Ei3030 Multi-Sensor Fire and Carbon Monoxide Alarm HVAC Product of the Year: Vent-Axia – Vent-Axia Sentinel Apex Lighting Product of the Year: BELL Lighting – Firestay Geo LED Sustainable Modular Downlight Tool/Testing Product of the Year: TIS – TIS 570 Wiring Accessories Product of the Year: Honeywell MK Electric – Masterseal Plus Rapid Fix Socket EV Charging Product of the Year: Rolec EV – ZURA Power Product of the Year: Secure Power – Uniti Power Symphony UPS Range Smart Buildings/Sustainability Product of the Year: BELL Lighting – Firestay Geo LED Sustainable Modular Downlight Sustainable Project of the Year: Powercor – St George’s College Overall Project of the Year: South Tyneside Homes – Post Occupancy Electrical Safety Check Training Provider/Initiative of the Year: CEF – CEF TechTalks Apprentice of the Year: Samuel Barnes Manufacturer of the Year: WAGO Independent Wholesaler/Distributor of the Year: Service Electrical Distributors Chain Wholesaler/Distributor of the Year: Cleveland Cable Co Contractor of the Year (turnover under £5m): ASH Integrated Services Contractor of the Year (turnover over £5m): Powercor "The event was a roaring success, and we would like to thank everyone who made it possible," says ECN Editor, Carly Weller. "Congratulations to all the winners, you should be proud of your achievements and the recognition you have received. We will announce the details of the ECN Awards 2024 shortly and will let you know when the photographs from the event are available to view. If you would like to get involved in next year's event, please contact Kelly Byne." "I am so overwhelmed by the support we received for the inaugural ECN Awards,” says ECN Group Ad Manager, Kelly Byne. "From the sponsors, to the entrants and the contracting industry as a whole, you got behind us and helped us facilitate a night to remember! Huge congratulations to all the winners, I hope you are feeling super proud and have your trophies in pride of place at your premises. Well done to all our highly commended as well, again, you should be so proud as the quality and calibre of the entries was extremely high across the board. Even to make it as a finalist is a fantastic achievement and I hope you will put forward your amazing products, projects and companies again next year to be in with a chance of winning. Until next year - hope to see you all there!" "The ECN Awards event last week was a truly spectacular occasion," says David Kitchener, Managing Director of All Things Media, owner and publisher of ECN. "The event was expertly organised by the talented ECN events team, comprising Carly Weller and Kelly Byne. These two ladies, who also serve as Editor and Group Ad Manager respectively, were entrusted with the responsibility of planning the event eight months ago. Their efforts paid off handsomely, as everyone who attended the event had a fantastic time. The award categories were particularly noteworthy, as they recognised excellence in the electrical contracting industry with authority and thoughtful consideration. Hats off to Carly and Kelly for a job well done, and we can't wait to see what they come up with next year!"