"heat recovery systems"

Four Grant Aerona³ air source heat pumps have been installed at Caerphilly Council Tir Y Berth Depot, providing renewable heating to a number of offices. The installation of Grant heat pumps was part of a wider redevelopment programme which has transformed the space to maximise its potential while also reducing carbon emissions.

ngineer puts greener heating solution to the test for comfort and economy 

A small development of new build properties has been completed near Helston in Cornwall, homes which will be exclusively available to local people with long-standing associations with the area. The homes have renewable heating systems installed with Aerona³ air source heat pumps and cylinders all supplied by Grant UK.

A Dimplex air source heat pump forms part of the award-winning energy credentials at a ‘Superhome’ designed to showcase the energy savings that can be made using grants and relatively low-cost improvements.

As concerns about environmental sustainability continue to escalate, the concept of Passive House (Passivhaus) design has emerged as a game-changer in creating energy-efficient buildings.This innovative approach focuses on maximizing a structure’s energy efficiency while maintaining optimal comfort for its occupants. One key element that can complement and enhance Passive House principles is the incorporation of automatic doors.Understanding Passive House DesignPassive House design revolves around stringent energy efficiency standards. It employs various techniques to minimize energy consumption, such as superior insulation, airtight construction, high-performance windows, and heat recovery ventilation. These elements work harmoniously to create a building that requires minimal energy for heating or cooling, leading to significant reductions in carbon emissions and energy costs.The Role of Automatic Doors in Passive HouseAutomatic doors might not seem like an obvious addition to Passive House design, but their integration can significantly contribute to its efficiency goals. Here’s how:Controlled Air Exchange:Passive House principles emphasise airtightness to prevent energy loss. Automatic doors, equipped with sensors and precise control mechanisms, can efficiently regulate the airflow, allowing for controlled ventilation while minimising the loss of heated or cooled air. This feature ensures that the building maintains its airtightness while providing necessary air circulation.Energy Conservation:By automating the opening and closing of doors, energy loss due to unnecessary drafts or human error is minimised. The doors swiftly close after use, reducing the transfer of heat or cold air between different zones within the building. This helps in maintaining the indoor temperature, contributing to the overall energy efficiency of the structure.Accessibility and Comfort:In addition to energy efficiency, automatic doors significantly enhance accessibility, ensuring ease of entry and exit for all individuals. The seamless operation of these doors adds convenience and comfort to occupants while aligning with the core principles of Passive House design.From revolving doors to sliding doors, we have just he solution for your energy saving needs. We help our clients save energy because we know how important it is to cultivate a sustainable future and reduce environmental impact, while simultaneously promoting cost-effective and efficient solutions for their individual needs. Find our new energy saving FAAC sliding doors here solutions here, and energy saving data here.ConclusionPassive House design has revolutionised the way we approach building construction, emphasising sustainability and energy efficiency. The incorporation of automatic doors complements these principles by enhancing airtightness, energy conservation, and overall occupant comfort.In the pursuit of creating eco-friendly and energy-efficient buildings, integrating automated systems like doors not only aligns with Passive House standards but also sets a new benchmark for sustainable architecture. These technological advancements not only serve functional purposes but also play a pivotal role in reducing environmental impact while prioritising the well-being of the building’s occupants.Check out more of our Energy Solutions.For more information or assistance with any project, please contact enquiries.esuk@faactechnologies.com where we can provide expert guidance and detailed documentation.

application area: commercial heatinguse type: industrial condensing boilersproject scope: preserve rectangular flue shape and maintain lined diameteradded value: quick and efficient installation with minimal downtime and disruption to the building structureBackgroundTwo new high efficiency condensing boilers fitted into the basement of a nine-story office block (Dublin Civic Offices, Ireland) using two separate brick lined chimneys that rose through the nine floors and exited on the rooftop.The brick chimneys posed a problem as the chambers measered 300mm x 450mm no standard 350mm flue liner would fit. Due to the pliability of Furnflex, the liner was able to take up an oval shape in the chamber giving it the full 350mm required. This building is an extremely busy high-profile office block therefore minimum disruption to day to day business was required.Statement of workFollowing an onsite survey, Furanflex was deemed the ideal solution to line both chimneys. The installations were carried out over two weekends, one for each chimney, with no disruption to the office operations. The project completed on time and within budget.

Contour recently completed an extensive project for a care home in Southern England, entailing the surveying, supplying, manufacturing, and installation of 47 LST radiator covers and 100 meters of pipe boxing. The new installations not only brought the care home up to safer surface heating standards but also ensured accessibility for cleaning and maintenance, crucial for infection control.Prior to the upgrade, the care home faced various challenges, including poor access for cleaning and maintenance, exposed pipework posing a burn risk, and aesthetically displeasing rusty covers. Dust build-up, a known health hazard, was a significant concern due to its potential to cause respiratory issues and spread infections among vulnerable residents.Contour addressed these challenges by installing DeepClean LST radiator guards with patented quick-release hinged doors for easy cleaning. These guards also featured BioCote® protection to combat bacteria and open-ended shoulders to minimise dust traps. Additionally, pipe boxing was fitted to conceal exposed pipework, reducing the risk of scalding.The results were transformative, providing the care home with a safer heating solution while significantly reducing infection risks and dust-related issues. With improved access for cleaning and maintenance, the care home can now better manage infection rates and maintain a hygienic environment for its residents. Moreover, the disposal of previous radiators was carried out responsibly, ensuring a complete and sustainable upgrade process.

The refurbishment of children's wards at Leighton Hospital by the Estates Management Team at Mid Cheshire Hospitals aimed to alleviate the distress often associated with hospital visits for young patients. Recognizing the anxiety induced by unfamiliar surroundings, the team prioritized transforming clinical spaces into welcoming environments conducive to children's wellbeing and recovery.Employing an innovative approach, large format prints of wildlife in forest and jungle settings adorned the walls behind beds, accompanied by soft natural colours on walls, panels, and fixtures. The use of RAL Green 6019 on the DeepClean LST radiator guards contributed to the soothing ambiance, seamlessly blending with the floor covering and complementing the blue panelling behind the wall-mounted washbasins. This thoughtful design choice aimed to create a calming and tranquil atmosphere for children during their recuperation.Furthermore, the choice of RAL White 9003 for the guards in the ward corridors maintained a clean and hygienic environment. The DeepClean guards, featuring a patented drop-down front panel for easy access and a BioCote anti-microbial coating, played a crucial role in upholding hygiene standards in critical care areas.To further enhance the natural theme, Contour supplied a column casing finished in RAL Brown 1019, harmonizing with the jungle and forest-inspired décor. This comprehensive refurbishment initiative demonstrates a commitment to not only aesthetics but also the holistic wellbeing of young patients undergoing treatment at Leighton Hospital.

Based in Newbury, Berkshire, Howard Porter founded Polgate Ltd some 35 years ago. Formerly a Chartered Surveyor, he saw the opportunity to start his own company and has never looked back, developing mainly new build residential and commercial properties within around 25 miles of Newbury. Here we speak to Howard to gain his point of view on the Grant Aerona³ heat pump.

Mark Lewis’s newly self-built two-bedroom cottage for his retired parents has a low temperature heat pump at the centre of an eco-friendly lifestyle design for maximum comfort, economy and efficiency.

Built from traditional stone and slate, Preston Springs, a four bed home in Leyburn, North Yorkshire, may look like a typical new-build property, but it is far from it. Designed by architects LEAP, Preston Springs is a Passivhaus, meaning it is ahead of its time in terms of air quality, comfort and reduced energy use. It is one of the only properties of its type in the local area, with just over 1,000 Passivhaus properties in the whole of the UK. Passivhaus is a voluntary standard for designing and building very low energy properties that offer high levels of comfort for their occupants. To achieve this, the levels of air tightness and thermal performance far exceed those mandated by building regulations. To meet planning constraints, Preston Springs has been built using a conventional cavity wall construction. The 300mm cavity was fully-filled using two layers of 150mm Knauf Insulation DriTherm® Cavity Slab 34. Manufactured from Glass Mineral Wool, Knauf Insulation DriTherm® Cavity Slab is specifically designed for cavities and uses a water repellent additive to prevent water ingress, making it ideal for its exposed location close to the Yorkshire Dales.Knauf Insulation DriTherm® Cavity Slab 34 was chosen over rigid board insulation. Its structure meant the stone masons could cut and fit the insulation easily on site to ensure it fully-fills the cavity, touching both leaves continuously. This prevents undesirable air gaps that reduce thermal performance. It is worth noting that masonry construction with partially-filled cavities are particularly prone to air gaps between insulation boards or breaks in contact between the insulation and the wall surface.Secondly, because detailing at junctions between the building elements and the openings meant thermal bridging was virtually eliminated, a more cost effective insulation specification could be chosen. Principal architect Mark Siddall was confident that Knauf Insulation DriTherm® Cavity Slab 34 would deliver the 0.1 W/m2K U-Value required to help the project achieve Passivhaus certification. For the loft, Supafil® Loft Blowing Wool was specified after extensive consultation with Knauf Insulation’s Technical Support Team. While Supafil® Loft is very popular in Scandinavian countries, it is not widely used in the UK. However, Siddall believes that blown insulation has a distinct advantage over other insulation types when working towards very high levels of thermal performance. He said: “The advantage of Supafil® Loft insulation is that it can get it into all the nooks and crannies very quickly and easily. This makes it a low-cost solution as far as labour is concerned because installers don’t have to cut and scribe around individual trusses at 400 and 600mm centres – something that would take a huge amount of time. By avoiding these air gaps, the roof can be expected to deliver the thermal performance that was specified.”It was not just the use of Supafil® Loft that was unusual on the Preston Springs project, but its depth; 700mm of Supafil® Loft was installed, delivering a U-value of 0.06, which Siddall believes makes it one of the most highly-insulated lofts in the UK.Siddall explains that to achieve Passivhaus standard, installation is hugely important. He said: “The only way to close performance gaps is through high quality workmanship. I have used the same construction team on several projects. I ensured that the installer had received the necessary training on how to install the Supafil® Loft insulation correctly, so I had the quality assurance that it would perform as specified in practice.”Steve Wise, Programme and Product Development Manager at Knauf Insulation added: “It is always exciting to work on projects that feature products not commonly used in the UK or in applications that differ from the norm, such as the 700mm Supafil® Loft at Preston Springs.“Passivhaus projects allow us as manufacturers to explore what is possible. Preston Springs demonstrates how environmentally-focused design, high performance products and high quality installation can deliver and meet even the strictest thermal standards in a real-world environment.”Typically, Passivhaus properties achieve a 75% reduction in space heating requirements, compared to a standard UK new build. While monitoring is ongoing, anecdotal evidence from the owners show that Preston Springs is performing as designed, maintaining a temperate climate throughout the year. During ‘The Beast from the East’ the internal temperature was a reported 19°C without heating, while the external temperature plummeted to -6°C. Furthermore, the owners report they are delighted with the low energy bills thanks to the very high thermal performance of the insulation combined with the heat recovery system.

The conversion and refurbishment of existing offices into a new interventional radiology department, consisting of; six enclosed recovery bays, a nurses’ station, and an accessible toilet.

When a new mental health unit planned to provide a safe and secure environment for their patients and staff, CLD Fencing Systems and a Littlewood Fencing were asked to design, manufacture and supply the perfect solution for this project.Hafan Y Coed (Haven of Trees) Mental Health Unit at the University Hospital Llandough opened the doors of their £ 88 million facility back in 2016 offering patients a modern, therapeutic and recovery-focused unit.Powell Dobson and Laing O’Rouke designed and constructed the detailed mental health unit, and in order to match the level of safety of the building, their hospital security fencing needed to encourage privacy and security throughout.The BriefSecurity of patients and staff was paramount when understanding the brief for the new perimeter fence line and security access control. The following requirements were set out to maintain their security needs:Create a safe and secure environment for staff and patients by implementing high security perimeter fencing.Feature anti-climb, anti-cut and anti-ligature properties for both fencing and gate solutions.Provide privacy screens for specific areas of the unit to promote recovery.Manufacture 18 gate solutions for easy access for staff through the entire site.

Hands Under Hand Dryers are suitable for a wide range of washrooms spaces, from smaller more intimate washrooms to larger commercial spaces.This superb group of dryers offer an array of market leading technology, while continually maintaining the guaranteed fast and efficient drying times. From ECO functions, to built in HEPA Filters, to adjustable heat controls; our hands in range offers everything you need and more.

Schlüter-Systems undertile heating and waterproofing products were used in a complete renovation and restoration of a Hotel and Spa in Somerset.

Avoiding gas reliance when building a new house.Traditional self-build projects have always had heating systems such as gas central heating and solar panels installed. However, with the increasing costs of gas, and the uncertainty of future supplies, a secondary heating source is required.There are options such as ground heating pumps, etc. but a real heating system independent of the grid, plus a stunning focal point has to be a wood burning stove.In fact, wood logs are now the cheapest domestic heating fuel. According to the Stove Industry Alliance, wood now is “costing households 74% less per kWh than electric heating and 21% less than gas heating”. The benefits don’t end there. “Using a modern wood burning stove also costs 29% less to run than an air source heat pump. Wood logs are 87% less carbon intensive than gas, 88% less than electricity and 74% less than an air source heat pump.”Building a traditional steel pipe flue system is always an option, but steel systems are more suitable in retrofit projects where minimum disruption is required. When you are building a house from the ground up, then a more permanent and ultimately lifetime option is the better one.

A new sports and leisure complex designed by FaluknerBrowns Architects has set a new environmental standard in ultra-low energy consumption. With an operational energy consumption of less than 100 kWh/m2/y, Ravelin Sports Centre uses only one- tenth of the energy demand of an equivalent sports centre. This is a landmark project which Junckers is proud to have participated in, a unique collaboration between architects, manufacturers, the client and BREEAM. The new building is fossil fuel-free, rated BREEAM Outstanding with extensive use of natural and sustainable materials, natural lighting and ventilation, air source heat pumps and heat recovery, including a bio-solar roof which reduces demand from the national grid by over 20%. The centre includes a swimming pool, a fitness suite, multi-activity studios, an eight-court sports hall, squash courts, climbing and bouldering facilities, a ski simulator and teaching facilities. The large sports hall has been fitted with 1600m2 Junckers SylvaSport Premium solid beech flooring installed by Junckers’ Approved Contractor Hutchison Flooring. Well-known for its high quality, performance and user safety, Junckers’ sports flooring also meet the strict criteria for sustainability and longevity required for a building of this standard. Wood is naturally low in embodied carbon, a consideration which comes more into focus when operational carbon is reduced. Junckers’ solid wood floors are sourced from managed forests with chain of custody certification through FSC® and PEFCTM and the company holds product-specific EPDs for its flooring. “When the operational carbon in a building is lowered, selecting materials with low embodied carbon becomes increasingly important. Specifying Junckers sports flooring fulfilled many criteria – durability, longevity, recyclability, and flexibility of use, which had a positive impact on the BREEAM assessment.” Irina Korneychuk, Senior Associate at FaulknerBrowns Architects With a proven long lifespan, a solid wood floor also scores highly when comparing maintenance, refurbishment, and replacement cycles. A Junckers 22mm solid beech floor can be sanded and refinished eight to ten times without loss of performance, and with typical 12-year intervals between refurbishments, a design life of 60+ years is easily achieved. An important part of future-proofing new buildings is recognising how a large percentage of embodied carbon is emitted post-completion when finishes need to be refreshed and replaced. At the same interval when a Junckers floor can be sanded and refinished, other sports flooring surfaces normally have to be replaced. This can lead to excessive use of raw materials and energy, unnecessary carbon emissions and pressure on landfill sites, especially in relation to surfaces made from fossil fuel derived materials such as vinyl and PU floors. Flexibility is another key consideration when building for a long design life. Leisure trends come and go but a multi-use sports hall is a timeless component of any leisure centre. The ability to use the flooring surface with its sprung undercarriage system for a multitude of sports, dance, performances, and competitions is crucial. Junckers sports flooring is widely used globally for all ball and racquet sports, dance, ballet, yoga, and other exercise studio-based activities. It is even hard-wearing enough to accommodate wheelchair rugby and retractable seating systems. 

Union Industries, the UK’s leading manufacturer of high-speed industrial doors, has supported a project at West Midlands manufacturer, Donghua Ltd, to eradicate heat loss from its warehouse, with the installation of a pair of its Bulldoor Rapid Rise Doors.

An Essex-based project centring on the provision of a much-needed National Autistic Society (NAS) school has seen the installation of electric underfloor heating system Schlüter-DITRA-HEAT-E-DUO into the 60 houses built to off-set its costs.

A hospital facility in Norrland, Sweden has been renovated extensively with wood-based products, owing to the universal belief that natural materials help people heal better. This serene and homely sanctuary functions as a temporary home for families with young children suffering from long-term illness.

Guests to a new luxury spa at one of London’s most famous hotels are relaxing in comfort after the installation of the environmentally friendly underfloor heating system, Schlüter®-BEKOTEC-THERM, by Schlüter-Systems.

A Grant Solar Thermal system has been installed at a five-bedroom property with gas central heating, helping the family to not only significantly reduce their carbon footprint but also lower their monthly heating bills.

The Ecclesiastical cast iron floor grille isn't used exclusively in churches, cathedrals or abbeys. We've supplied these beautiful Scottish made gratings to a number of religious buildings across the country that's for sure but their main use is in "ordinary" period properties and listed buildings. Buildings with large heating pipes sunk into the floor with suspended walkways. Places like Stansted and Rotherfield Hall or National Trust, Mount Stewart Property in County Down and Halls in Melton Mowbray and Stoke on Trent. To make a real feature or for a sympathetic restoration why not take a look ...

Contour recently completed a project involving the supply and installation of 350 anti-ligature radiator covers across 15 mental health wards in Southeast England. The existing radiators posed a significant risk of harm to service users due to their outdated design. After inspecting a single ward, it was evident that all wards faced similar risks. Contour was tasked with surveying, supplying, and manufacturing anti-ligature radiator guards for each ward to ensure safety.The challenges faced by the customer included the absence of anti-ligature radiators, sharp corners posing threats, and cleanliness issues with old guards. To address these challenges, Contour installed a comprehensive range of anti-ligature covers designed to enhance safety and hygiene without compromising heating efficiency. The new covers featured small grilles and rounded edges to minimize risks and facilitate easier cleaning.The results were immediate improvements in safety and hygiene within the environments. The installed radiator guards featured IP3x grilles with 2mm holes, preventing ligature creation. Additionally, drop-down front access was incorporated for easier cleaning, and rounded corners provided enhanced protection. Overall, the project successfully mitigated risks and enhanced safety for service users in mental health environments.

Insworke Mill was originally built in 1590 and survived as a working Mill until the First World War. After falling into disrepair it’s now undergoing a major refurbishment to convert it to its new life as commercial properties to the ground floor with a luxury residential dwelling above. To the first floor a Lewis® Deck/screed solution was used to provide acoustic separating floors with timber beams left exposed, replicating the original beams. On the ground floor; Lewis® was used as part of a warm floor solution above the cellar areas. U/F heating was incorporated in all floors.

With an enviable location on the South Bank of the River Thames, Park Plaza London Riverbank is ideal travellers from near and far to central London. Those travelling for leisure return again and again thanks to the prime central location, heated indoor swimming pool, enticing dining options and elegantly spacious rooms.Licata Building Systems was involved with the development of this project, providing several Licata systems, such as waterproofing and flooring systems. Licata waterproofing systems were used throughout the modern bathrooms and swimming pool facility. Licata resin flooring created a sleek and modern finish throughout public area of the hotel.

St Wilfrid’s Catholic High School had outgrown its dining room, which eventually could only seat half their pupils at a time. They looked at the options to increase dining space and realised that they couldn’t afford an extension building. That is when they contacted A&S Landscape and realised that an outdoor canopy, with side panels, power, heating and lighting could be a fantastic, cost-effective solution.

Hand dryers were invested more than 50 years ago. Old style hand dryers used hot air to dry hands. More recent inovations have shown that hands dry faster when high speed hand dryers are used.These highly efficient hand dyer achieve fantastic drying time and a large energy saving by reducing drying time to less than 10 seconds for lower power usage.

A faster dry time and lower power consumption means the Crocodillo T and Gorillo hand dryer costs up to 80% less to run than older style hand dryers and 97% less than paper towels. You can dry your hands over 20 times with a Gorillo for the price of a single paper towel.

Sterillo Hand Dryer and Sterillo UNO have understandably been flying out of our warehouse in recent months. Our washroom sterilisation equipment was primarily being used in just the one room, but thanks to Sterillo UNO – a complete air sanitisation unit without a hand dryer, we have seen customers finding other purposes and locations for them to be used.

A trio of installations by Union Industries has helped to support energy efficiency at the production facility of a world-leading radiator manufacturer. Stelrad has benefited from the installation of six of Union Industries’ Bulldoors at its Mexborough, South Yorkshire, 17-acre site. The facility handles Stelrad’s UK radiators business and the co-ordination of the company’s advanced production and distribution operation.

The Queens Quay project is the UK’s first large-scale water source heat pump, taking the latent heat from the nearby River Clyde and using it to heat the 23-hectare Queens Quay development which will include 1,200 homes, commercial facilities and essential infrastructure. The project saw us deliver a complete energy solution which included our next generation of smart, in-home technologies which bring transparency and functionality to both the client and end user. Our vTherm°e Heat Interface Unit (HIU) and Glass app were chosen as the preferred products as they are heat-pump-compatible and facilitate the decarbonisation, digitalisation and electrification of heat.

There are two options to compensate for the heat loss in hot water distribution pipes: using a temperature maintenance cable or a re-circulation pipe. Which option is more sensible from an energy point of view, when using a condensing boiler for hot water generation? A study by the Technical University in Dresden addresses the question of which option is more energy-efficient.The results presented show that a single pipe hot water system that compensates for heat losses with a self-regulating temperature maintenance cable is a better solution.

Project detailsDerby City Council’s new Innovation Centre is at the heart of Infinity Park, Derby’s new 250-acre commercial and technology park.Designed to embrace the characteristics of transport engineering, the centre will play a vital role in supporting companies in the aerospace, automotive and transport industries by helping existing companies to grow and new ones to develop. Project overviewThe Innovation Centre demonstrates its environmental credentials through a number of sustainable features to reduce the carbon footprint. These include GDL natural ventilation products to help provide efficient heating and cooling.GDL worked in conjunction with Derry Ltd to provide and install Intelivent Wall Units and Penthouse Turrets.Designed to meet the ventilation demand of the occupied spaces, our in-house design team assisted making the correct system choices. Our Intelivent products are particularly effective in offices, seminar rooms & workshops where occupancy levels vary throughout the day and a controlled ventilation rate is required.Benefits of using GDL Products on the projectThe Wall Units allow a controlled environment by allowing natural fresh air to enter the building via external weather louvres. The heating coil within the unit is used as a front line heating source during winter.Our Intelivent Turrets offer a balanced supply of fresh air whilst removing warm stale air, an ideal product to ventilate the workshops effectively and efficiently.Intelivent Transfer Fans have been installed to ductwork to assist with the supply and extract of air within the offices and seminar rooms.

A comprehensive rooflight solution was supplied to the new £33 million Oriam, Scotland’s Sports Performance Centre, creating a light airy environment which offers exceptional thermal comfort for athletes. Designed by Reiach and Hall Architects, the centre features a full-size indoor synthetic football pitch, two sports halls and other facilities. This building features a unique curved roof, incorporating a combination of rooflight systems that maximised daylight and limited heat gain. The products chosen were a combination of Ritchlight mono pitched rooflights and Xlok Ultra panel glazing systems, vented and unvented, ensured the differing aesthetic and performance requirements were met.

Schiedel offers a unique all-in-one system: a perfect union of wood burning stove & chimney, which is an ideal package when if you are a self-builder or renovating your home. Adding heat sources which are a permanent feature means that you need the best quality. So many times, a superb quality stove is installed but the remaining parts are usually cheap and liable to failure.