"solar"

With buildings responsible for 39% of all carbon emissions in the world, the sector has a crucial role to play in ameliorating the current state of the environment. Much progress has already been made through energy-saving innovations such as LED lights and solar panels. But for change to happen on the scale that is necessary, the industry must look further: to a building’s intrinsic circular value. It must examine and account for the choices in materials and resources it makes, and the environmental impact those choices have. This whitepaper discusses the value of environmental product declarations in facilitating decision-making for sustainable building design.

The drive to conserve finite fossil energy stores and reduce the carbon footprint of buildings to meet latest regulations, has pushed the modern building services engineer to create specific central plant designs. This allows for the easy and efficient integration of renewable energy sources, such as CHP, solar, heat pumps etc. A central plant system needs to offer a reliable and efficient way of producing hot water, controlling the heating and metering of each individual flat, apartment or house. Altecnics range of SmartSat® Heat Interface Units (HIUs), consumer modules and metering products, do just that.

G-Rail 6700 ‘Skyline’ is a powerful electrically operated roof blind system for skylights and horizontally glazed openings. Featuring all the benefits of G-Rail low Voltage (24V) electric motor technology, system 6700 has built-in G-Rail CAN BUS intelligence allowing cooperation with most home automation systems. Using special aluminium profiles, without any intermediate supports, openings up to 4 metres wide can be covered whilst maintaining the light, open atmosphere of skylights and glazed roofs. The perfect system to provide shading and control of solar glare.

Clement EB24 windows have been created for fenestration projects where a traditional steel window appearance is required, reproducing the appearance of original or existing windows while simultaneously providing all the advantages of 21st century technology. EB24 windows are manufactured with exceptionally slim frames. The 24mm double glazed units mean that the largest possible glazed area is provided, thereby optimising solar gain and saving energy through reduced use of artificial lighting. Our most versatile and popular product, EB24 windows are appropriate for both refurbishment and new build projects. Now available with PAS 24.

iplus is a comprehensive range of low-emissivity products dedicated to thermal insulation, providing a more comfortable living space. Using advanced magnetron technology, our low-emissivity coatings are the most performing on the market today, and certified by the rigorous Cradle to Cradle programme. Whatever your needs may be – protection from the cold, achieving both thermal insulation and solar control, good insulation while preventing condensation or additional safety functions – there’s a product engineered to meet each specific requirement. In addition to this, their durable surface resists scratches and handling, making it easy to process, something glass processors and architects will appreciate.

The Dik Geurts Ivar 10 H2O Store is part of the company’s Green Design series of eco-friendly wood burning appliances. It is a smart and versatile wood stove with a substantial 4.7 kW room heating output, combined with a further 5.5 kw of water heating power. It has a stylish dark anthracite finish, easy slider controls, vermiculite interior and ample space underneath for log storage. A water heating chamber is built into the back of the stove. This must be connected to a buffer tank that stores the hot water and distributes it to radiators around the home. The system can also be combined with solar panels for even greater energy efficiency.