Hertfordshire to be boosted by £6 million electricity supply upgrade

More than 60,000 local homes, communities and businesses across Hertfordshire are set to benefit from a £6million electricity network upgrade. UK Power Networks, who distributes electricity across the East of England, is upgrading a major substation, which will future-proof safe and reliable electricity supplies for people in Hoddesdon, Broxbourne, Hertford and Ware. Electrical engineers are already installing a new piece of electrical equipment, a state-of-the-art transformer due to be energised next month, which reduces voltage to deliver electricity safely to other local substations and on to homes. In total, four transformers will be removed and replaced with three near double capacity new ones. The second transformer will arrive in October, with a third to follow to complete the scheme next summer. Phil O’Blath, project manager at UK Power Networks, says: “This is a significant investment by UK Power Networks that will maintain reliable electricity supplies for a large section of the residents, businesses and communities we serve across the east of Hertfordshire. “The upgrade once the three new transformers are in place will be well-equipped to meet future growth in demand and keep the power flowing to the local community for years to come. “This upgrade will in time help local communities achieve their decarbonisation ambitions; so as more customers turn to low carbon technologies such as electric vehicles, they have a supply and infrastructure that’s fit for purpose. There are other environmental benefits, too, with the more modern equipment being more sustainable and energy efficient. “The new transformers will increase capacity in the Lea Valley region and should increase the resilience of the electricity network to reduce the potential and impact of power cuts in both Hoddesdon and its surrounding areas.” The new transformers are replacing equipment installed in the 1950s which was well maintained. Each new transformer receives electricity at 132,000-volts and lowers it to 33,000-volts. The Hoddesdon project forms part of the £600 million UK Power Networks is investing in the electricity network across the East of England, London and the South East this year. From schools to hospitals, water supplies to railway stations, the electricity network helps to keep a large part of the country running smoothly. More than eight million homes and businesses are connected to electricity via the company’s cables and substations in total.

Healthy buildings key to sustainable developments, finds report

Amid the current UK multi-residential development boom, the majority of contractors and consultants claim sustainability will be the most important design issue over the next ten years, according to an industry report. In contrast, the survey of 520 M&E contractors and architects – 25% of whom work in the residential market – showed 44% of respondents believe wellbeing is being “value engineered” out of a project later on in the build. This was despite 91% also identifying human health as a key concern when specifying pipe fittings. As the research suggests wellbeing is not prioritised throughout the entire building process, Designing Healthy Apartments – the report from leading polymer building solutions provider REHAU – explores the intrinsic link between health and sustainability when designing buildings, and solutions that are available to tackle this. Mounting pressure on construction professionals to deliver futureproof buildings, against a backdrop of changing legislation, has been further exacerbated by increased demand for inner-city living. In order to deliver multi-residential developments in line with expectations of occupants, the report demonstrates that health and comfort must be designed and built into the environment just as much as sustainability. With the multi-residential construction market under pressure to meet housing demand across the nation, Steve Richmond, Head of Marketing and Technical at REHAU Building Solutions UK, explains the importance of prioritising these aspects from the outset. “With our research highlighting sustainability as a priority for the market, a key aspect also being “value engineered” out of projects, we are releasing this report to identify solutions to meet this now, and into the future,” says Steve. “Designing Healthy Apartments explores the importance of considering materials that promote wellbeing, sustainability and high performance, highlighting the key role of polymer-based products in delivering building services fit for 21st century needs.” While sustainability and performance remain key to the built environment’s health and longevity, the importance of hygiene has also climbed the public agenda in light of COVID-19. The report explores building services’ role in achieving optimal hygiene for residents, as well as the impact of sealed buildings on air quality. Steve adds: “This report is making the link between these critical priorities, and seeks to demonstrate the need for their consideration during design, if legislation and end-user expectations are to be met. As a supplier, listening to the requirements of industry professionals is key to ensuring our solutions are fit-for-purpose and this report shows exactly how we intend to do this.”

BCIA new technical guide: Control Sensor Selection and Installation

The Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) has released a new Technical Guide to add to its portfolio of online Guides available to download. The new Guide, entitled “Good Practice Guide – Control Sensor Selection and Installation”, sets out to describe good selection of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) sensors used in Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS). A BEMS is only as good as the sensor used to measure the controlled variable (temperature, humidity, pressure etc.) and transmit it as a measured value to the controller. It is crucial that the sensor should provide an accurate measurement of the controlled variable at the reference point in the control loop. Failure to meet the desired conditions satisfactorily can lead to poor control, energy wastage and occupant complaints. Terry Sharp, President of the BCIA, says: “Good sensor selection and installation is key to better control. Often there are conflicts of interest in the location of sensors – architects want them out of sight, control engineers ask they be located central to the controlled space. This document will show best practice and help resolve such issues.” The BCIA’s Technical Guides are designed to help members and those in the building controls and BEMS industry work more effectively. All Technical Guides can be downloaded from the “Resources” section of the BCIA website.

Megaman launches MILENALITE

Megaman has launched MILENALITE, a new Integrated LED Downlight. A cost effective and easy replacement for traditional PL commercial downlights, its compact and slim profile also makes it an ideal option for ceilings with limited depth.   With a height of just 30mm, the exceptionally compact MILENALITE Integrated LED Downlights are the ideal choice for shallow ceilings with limited room for light fixtures. Suitable for use in a number of environments, including offices, hotels, retail and general-purpose applications, the new downlights fit seamlessly into the place of existing systems. With no external driver, MILENALITE Integrated LED Downlights facilitate both easy installation and maintenance. Available in three different colour temperatures (3000K, 4000K and 6500K) with 15W and 20W versions, the LED downlights produce anywhere from 1200 to 1950 lumens. All models possess a lamp life of 25,000 hours and provide wide, uniform light distribution. “MILENALITE is really easy to install into limited ceiling depth spaces, making it the ideal first choice when selecting a recessed downlight,” comments Micaela Abbott, National Sales Manager of Megaman UK. “A cost effective yet versatile option, it also makes an ideal retrofit solution for existing installations. With one of our most compact designs to date, a high performance LED and a two year warranty – it’s a real ‘go to’ solution for all commercial installations.”

WPD leads consortium on energy planning for local authorities

Western Power Distribution (WPD), the electricity distribution network operator (DNO) for the Midlands, South West and South Wales, has launched a project that works together with local authorities in south west England and other energy network companies to lower carbon/achieve net zero carbon emissions and protect the environment. Its Energy Planning Integrated with Councils (EPIC) project will explore whether a combined approach to energy planning can provide greater benefits for local authorities and utility companies. The £540,000 Network Innovation Allowance funded project, will see WPD, gas company Wales & West Utilities, local authorities in the South West, Power Systems Consultants (PSC), energy consultants Regen and EA Technology work together to develop a tool to allow the investment plans for energy networks and the local authorities to be jointly analysed to identify potential synergies. In the current process to create Distribution Future Energy Scenarios (DFES), utility companies consult local authorities who provide input into the process. However, DFES are based on national scenarios and do not wholly adopt or incorporate local authorities’ longer term strategic plans. This can lead to different expectations for future energy requirements between the local authority and utility companies. EPIC is seeking to develop a standardised process and tool that can be used with different local authorities to create a more accurate, local energy plan. The project will look to develop an agreed process for identifying and analysing energy plans in relation to increased uptake in electric vehicles, small scale renewable generation, the decarbonisation of heat, improvements to building energy efficiency and installation of heat networks. Commenting on the project, project lead Jenny Woodruff Low Carbon and Innovation Engineer at Western Power Distribution comments “EPIC, is exploring whether we can streamline and standardise the local energy plan process and whether it will result in benefits for local authorities and utility companies. The project will hopefully lead to the greater use of local authority data in utility company investment plans and allow networks to take a more strategic view for future investment plans. “Over the coming decades we are going to see growing demand on the energy networks as we experience a significant increase in the installation of low-carbon technologies and their use by customers. To match this demand, millions will need to be invested across energy networks as well as wider investments from local authorities and utility companies. Creating a coordinated process will help to deliver cost efficiencies as well as ensuring we have all the pieces of the puzzle in place when the demand comes.” Wales & West Utilities System Operation Manager, Bethan Winter, says: “If the UK is going to get to Net Zero in a way that is affordable and sustainable, we must adopt a whole system approach, making the best use of our safe and reliable gas and electricity networks. “Across the UK decarbonisation solutions will be different, so a local approach is essential if communities are going to be able to play their part in decarbonisation. We’re pleased to be part of the EPIC project, bringing together utilities and local authorities to create a combined approach to energy planning.” Three areas in the South West of England will trial the process and supported tool. Experts on regional local authorities are providing expertise to help ensure that the planning process developed during the project can be applied more generally across local authorities. Energy consultants Regen will lead on determining how the different planning processes can be aligned so that local authorities and utilities plans are based on a common view. Having agreed on a future energy scenario, the impact on utility networks will then be modelled to identify the location and timings of required network investments to support the predicted energy consumption. These investments will be assessed to optimise the potential benefits to all parties and will be further assessed on whether the combined plans will deliver additional benefits versus the separate processes currently used. PSC will be providing a new tool for automated high voltage network assessment while EA Technology will be adapting their Network Investment Forecasting Tool to analyse the low voltage networks in the trial areas. While strategic network planning, including stakeholder engagement, is routine for the networks operating at or over 33kV, it is hoped that modelling the high and low voltage networks will provide results that reflect changes at a local neighbourhood level that are easier for local authorities to relate to their own plans. The tool is expected to assess the long-term cost to the consumer and support regional strategic development goals, such as decarbonisation and supporting local jobs. The project is expected to last for 20 months

One in five tradespeople believe they'll need to work beyond pension age

A fifth (20%) of UK tradespeople think they will have to keep working beyond the state pension age of 66, new research has revealed. The study, conducted by IronmongeryDirect, the UK’s largest supplier of specialist ironmongery, surveyed 500 tradespeople about their plans for retirement and found that a large proportion are pessimistic about their chances of finishing work when they hope to. One in 10 (10%) say that they will definitely have to continue working for longer than they’d like, and a quarter (25%) think it’s a possibility. This is most common amongst male tradespeople, who are nearly three times as likely as tradeswomen to think that they’ll have to work past the age of 66 (29% vs 10%). Furthermore, 7% of men see themselves working beyond 70, compared to just 2% of women. Even those approaching typical retirement age aren’t sure whether they will be able to hang up their tools when they want. Over a third (36%) of tradespeople aged between 55 and 64 say that they might have to carry on working longer than they intend. Worryingly, more than one in eight (13%) workers in this age category have no financial plans for retirement. Less than half of 55-64-year-olds have a personal (49%) or workplace (46%) pension, despite being in the twilight stage of their careers. This is in stark contrast to younger tradies, who appear to be preparing far earlier for retirement than their older colleagues did. In fact, 18-24-year-olds are the most likely to have some form of financial plan for their post-work lives, with almost three-quarters (73%) having a personal pension. Furthermore, millennials (25-34s) put away the most money each month towards their future. While the average UK tradesperson saves £390 a month, millennial workers keep back an impressive £509 for their retirement fund. This also varies by trade, with plumbers (£451) and carpenters (£438) putting away the most each month, and landscapers the least (£265). Some trades are also more likely to have to delay retirement than others. Painters and decorators are the most likely to work beyond state pension age, with 30% feeling that they won’t be able to retire until after 66. They are closely followed by electricians (29%) and landscapers (25%). The trades that are most likely to think they will have to work beyond state pension age are: 1) Painters and decorators – 30% 2) Electricians – 29% 3) Landscapers – 25% 4) Joiners – 23% 5) Builders – 19% In contrast, bricklayers are the most confident that they’ll retire early, with a staggering 94% believing they’ll finish working before they reach 66. On average, brickies think they’ll retire at the youthful age of 56 and they are the most likely trade to think that they’ll be able to step down when they want (89%). However, it is builders who are most likely to retire before they reach 50, with a staggering 12% believing they’ll have finished working by this milestone. Whichever trade you’re in, it’s important to plan for your retirement and George Stainton, Senior Wealth Manager at Hoxton Capital Management, has shared his advice: Get into the habit of saving for retirement early in your career, as it will make life much more comfortable as you get older Ensure you contribute to your full 35 years of National Insurance so you are entitled to a full state pension If appropriate, consider delaying your retirement for a couple of years to have enhanced pension income and further compounded investment growth Dominick Sandford, Director and Head of Merchandising & Marketing at IronmongeryDirect, says: “There comes a time when everyone has to think about life after work and it’s encouraging to see that so many young tradespeople are already putting money aside for their future. “However, it’s concerning that many older workers have few or no financial plans for retirement. There are lots of ways that people can prepare, regardless of how old you are, so we’ve partnered with experts to share helpful tips for tradespeople on how to boost your finances for the future.”

ETIM UK update further pushes towards data excellence

ETIM continues to gain traction with those manufacturers keen to ensure their products are found with ease by B2B purchasers, with the latest release reflecting enhancements created specifically for the UK electrotechnical market. ETIM 8.0 includes new categories specifically in response to the needs of the UK market, covering steel trunking and fittings, fused connection units and electric showers, as well as updates for consumer units, UK fire performance standards for cable, and BS fuses. Richard Appleton, General Manager at EDA Data Services explains what ETIM means for the UK why its development is so crucial “A complete and accurate description of a product’s technical performance, which is what ETIM captures, is an essential e-commerce ingredient without which contractors cannot successfully search, filter and buy the right product for the job. Data that’s not ETIM classified leaves wholesalers with the huge headache of how to get hold of accurate and complete technical performance data to put in front of their contractor customers. “The ETIM working groups that we set up, made up of manufacturer products experts, take a deep dive into the standard from a UK perspective. This enables us to justify requests for new features, values and even classes where we think it is necessary. Work to review the ETIM standard for domestic fans and wiring accessories is already in progress, with cable management and circuit protection in the planning stages and many more to follow after that. “Our aim, however, is as much to educate manufacturers on how to use the existing standard and apply it consistently. After each expert group has finished its work we compile a set of guidance notes with worked examples which will greatly simplify the task of ETIM classifying a manufacturer’s product range.” ETIM UK Ltd, which brings together the Electrical Distributors’ Association (EDA) and the Builders’ Merchants’ Federation (BMF) as leads in their respective areas, has delivered huge benefits for the digitalisation of the electrotechnical and construction sectors. Discussions with other supply chains are planned as more industry sectors could benefit from ETIM’s principles.

Leading manufacturers joins sector-led EDATA

39 electrotechnical manufacturers have signed up to the not-for-profit data pool, EDATA, to distribute their product information to wholesalers. The latest manufacturers to choose the self-service portal, and in doing so to play an active role in EDATA’s development, are: Airflow Developments Atkore BEG (UK) BELL Lighting Deligo EnviroVent Europa Components & Equipment Gewiss UK JCC NVC Lighting Securi-Flex Termination Technology Timeguard WAGO EDATA opened its doors to manufacturers and wholesalers in early 2020, starting with a three-year commitment from 25 Founders: 10 wholesalers and 15 manufacturers. Since then, a further 24 leading manufacturers have subscribed to the service. Margaret Fitzsimons, CEO at the EDA, explains EDATA’s guiding principles, “EDATA was created to help digitalise the UK’s electrotechnical sector and, crucially, is not-for-profit: any surplus from annual subscriptions is ploughed back to develop the service or returned to members. All the product data inside remains the property of the manufacturer: each business is responsible for its upkeep through the self-service portal. “Industry collaboration is central to EDATA, and subscribers have an active voice in its development: regular round-tables monitor progress and prompt discussion. There are also opportunities for businesses to join working groups: subject-specialists work in partnership to set data standards that benefit everyone in the sector.” EDATA is on-target to hold 250,000 SKUs by the end of 2022 but volume is not the only measure of success as Richard Appleton, General Manager at EDA Data Services, explains: “Our focus is to offer the highest quality product data possible and that is not achievable overnight. We won’t jeopardise quality in the push for data volume. Our objective is to provide wholesalers with accurate, consistent, fully populated and reliable product data sourced directly from their key suppliers. The manufacturers that sign up to EDATA receive a full package of support, tailored to where they are on their product data journey – and each company is at a different stage.”

Ansell lighting takes major step on sustainability path

Ansell Lighting is set to save the equivalent of more than five million plastic bags per year with the launch of new responsible packaging, as part of its ongoing sustainability drive. Ansell’s Green Team task force, a group of environmental champions who promote sustainability within the business, has overhauled the company’s packaging to replace single-use plastics with sustainable materials and therefore encourage good customer recycling habits. Products will now be packaged in unbleached fully recycled and recyclable brown cardboard, one of the most environmentally friendly packaging materials. In addition to eradicating single-use plastic protective packaging, the initiative will also see fixing kits packed in small paper bags, with biodegradable paper protecting the products. The eco packaging has been introduced on products that are new to the S14 catalogue, launched in March, and it will be rolled out across Ansell’s entire range in 2021 and beyond. Mark Abbott, Managing Director at Ansell Lighting says: “We’re committed to our sustainability goals and our new packaging will have a massive impact on our single plastic usage. Replacing the packaging on our downlights range alone means a saving of two million plastic bags per year. “It will take a little time to migrate to responsible packaging across our entire product range but I’m delighted with the start we have made and we can’t wait to see the positive impact of the changes we’re making. An environmentally sustainable approach to business is essential to protect our planet for future generations.” Ansell’s Green Team task force works to generate and implement ideas on how the company can be more environmentally friendly. Other initiatives have included recycling spare parts, choosing suppliers with fully recyclable packaging, reducing paper usage, switching to bamboo merchandise, and working towards being waste-neutral.

Government review but 'more to be done' says Wrexham Mineral Cables

“A step in the right direction but more needs to be done,” is the response from Wrexham Mineral Cables (WMC) following the Government’s announcement that it will hold a review of current systems for testing construction products. The review comes in the wake of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry which exposed evidence of testing irregularities and potential ‘gaming of the system’ by some manufacturers. As a leading UK supplier of fire-resistant mineral insulated cables, WMC has been calling for more stringent testing standards as it believes too many cables – which have been installed in buildings across the country - are classified as fire resistant and yet are not fit for purpose in real-life fire scenarios. Currently, only cables that are more than 20mm must undergo testing for direct impacts to reflect falling debris. And for cables under 20mm, individual certification tests are carried out on different samples of cable. Steve Williams, Commercial Manager at Wrexham Mineral Cables, comments: “We welcome the Government’s confirmation it will examine ways to strengthen the current system for testing construction products. Such scrutiny is much needed. As an industry, we must be able to provide confidence that products installed, especially in tall buildings or anywhere that requires extended evacuation times, are safe and perform as marketed. “We believe that this review needs to go much further. Certification testing must show that products are fit for purpose and can stand-up to the rigours of keeping a building safe once they have been installed. Sadly, there are simply too many cables classed as fire resistant but would not be adequate in the event of a fire, as the tests do not represent real-world conditions. It is for this reason that we have lobbied, and will continue to do so, for all enhanced fire-resistant cables to undergo true fire scenario tests. There should be a higher classification of cables introduced to identify those which can survive, rather than simply assessed to resist fire which in most cases do not represent the dynamics of any fire scenario. Ensuring that the tests which construction products are subjected to are relevant and can be relied upon is the only way we can make buildings truly safe.”