Wool, if it were to be invented tomorrow, would be hailed as an environmental super material, says Mark Lynn, commercial and technical director, Second Nature. In Watford, just north of London, a remarkable building has recently been completed. The Natural House, a project undertaken by The Prince’s...
Denise Freeman, head of marketing, Sto discusses how wsing External Wall Insulation Systems can address the big issue of inefficient housing stock. We all know the figures: 80% reduction in carbon emissions by 2050; 30% of all carbon emissions come from housing; 80% of the houses...
New solutions must be found for those problem areas where, increasingly, the space available for insulation is at a premium, says Tony Millichap, technical manager, Kingspan Insulation. VIPS: the next generation insulationThere is increasing pressure on the construction industry to develop new approaches to the issue...
Plumb Center was recognised as Best Plumbing and Heating Merchant (Environmental Focus) at the recent Builders' Merchants Awards for Excellence. Having been short listed in the final three, the company's dedication to promoting sustainability and renewable technologies throughout its business helped to secure the coveted...
A project that helps people save on their energy bills and reduce their impact on the environment has picked up a ‘green’ award. Knowsley Housing Trust’s Save Energy, Save Money scheme received a Green Apple Environment Award at a prestigious ceremony at the House of Commons. Save...
Leading manufacturers, consultants, contractors and end users are being invited to compete for top honours in the forthcoming National Heat Pump Awards 2012. Entries are now invited for eleven categories in the expanded annual awards, which celebrate top technology, projects and personal contributions in this rapidly...
CarbonLight Homes offered as a potential benchmark Kettering Borough Council is encouraging the developers of the Kettering East Sustainable Urban Extension to consider the key principles of VELUX’s CarbonLight Homes in Rothwell. The 329 hectare site has outline planning permission for 5,500 new homes which will...
Brockholes Visitor Centre wins at the Wood Awards brockholeBrockholes Visitor Centre, an innovative floating building constructed using glulam timber and SIPs from B & K Structures, has won the Commercial and Public Access category at the prestigious Wood Awards. The awards encourage and promote outstanding craftsmanship, design...
Plugwise has a clear and simple philosophy: the Greenest energy is the energy you do not use. Plugwise is not just a system to monitor and switch off appliances, it is a comprehensive, efficient and simple-to-use system, to reduce energy consumption and therefore save you...
Spirotech Spirotech plans to break new ground in the domestic heating dirt separation sector with the official launch of the SpiroTrap MB3 at EcoBuild 2020 (see stand N2420). The SpiroTrap MB3 is a powerful, high performance dirt separator, featuring the very latest patent pending, intelligent magnetic field booster technology - pioneered over several years - by the company's international R&D facility. Set to raise the bar in dirt separation in domestic heating systems, the powerful new SpiroTrap MB3 offers both strength and flexibility and will succeed the acclaimed SpiroTrap MB2, which has sold more than 300,000 units since its launch less than 2 years ago. Spirotech's new-generation solution to dirt separation is of high quality brass construction and offers optimum filtration and easy draining with no mess. The SpiroTrap MB3 features all the proven operational benefits of its predecessor, such as the unique Spirotube feature for non magnetic dirt separation, the easy to drain valve, its extremely easy to mount swivel action and 20 years' SpiroLife guarantee. The SpiroTrap MB3 offers even greater capacity and its notable new feature is its high powered external magnet ,which benefits from Spirotech's new patent pending technology breakthrough, that will set it apart from current marketplace offerings. By simply sliding down and removing the SpiroTrap MB3’s external magnetic jacket before draining, the magnetic debris is simply flushed away with all the non magnetic particles in one swift action - job done! By also reducing wear and tear on system parts, the SpiroTrap MB3 helps to protect and prolong the life of components such as the boiler and radiators, making it a truly cost effective and eco friendly option. Spirotech’s MB3, is a fit and forget solution, helping to maintain system efficiency whilst reducing costly call-outs. The high performance dirt separator also protects and prolongs the life of system components , cutting life cycle costs by helping to eliminate the many problems caused by dirt. Commenting on the unveiling of the SpiroTrap MB3, Spirotech UK’s domestic national sales manager, Suzanne Day said: "Once again we’ve proved how we at Spirotech know the system water filtration field inside out, with the launch of an exciting new addition to our growing system protection portfolio. We believe that by taking on board the feedback of our customers – experienced heating engineers operating out in the field – at the R&D stage and applying our company’s technological expertise, we have produced a new generation, advanced technology solution which fuses high performance, unrivalled ease of installation, reliability and exceptional non magnetic and magnetic filtration". Working alongside the new SpiroTrap MB3, Spirotech also has a wide ranging portfolio system protection products including the recently introduced SpiroPlus chemicals range and the Spirotech Flush Connector. SpiroPlus Range Spirotech has devised the new SpiroPlus range of chemicals in view of recent changes to the Building Regulations Part L Compliance Guide – which states that systems must be cleaned and protected to prevent the onset of corrosion - and the vital importance of ensuring optimum wet system performance. The chemicals also work seamlessly with Spirotech’s dirt separators. The six-strong SpiroPlus range includes leak sealer, dirt dissolvers, descaler anti-freeze and the ‘Build Cert’ accredited corrosion protector, running in conjunction with BS:7593 chemical flushing proceedures. The entire SpiroPlus range is also non-hazardous, environmentally friendly and easy to use. Additionally, the range is compatible with all types of boiler and all metals and plastics used in heating systems. SpiroTech Flush Connector The Spirotech Flush Connector, launched just a few months ago, is another invaluable product from Spirotech. It utilises the unique twist- release mechanism that was pioneered in the SpiroTrap MB2 (and is also featured in the new MB3 design), helping installers and heating engineers make light work of power flushing any system. With no need to dismount the pump or fix connections to radiators or other systems, the SpiroTech flush connector can simply be connected to the SpiroTrap MB3 or MB2 and is compatible with all good powerflush units. It is also perfect for use with SpiroPlus cleaning and protection chemicals range. Made from robust brass, the latest innovation in the SpiroTech range is yet another high quality and resilient product, that will stand the test of time. So much so that SpiroTech offers the twenty year SpiroLife guarantee with every purchase, ensuring that the robust Flush Connector offers long- lasting performance- guaranteed. Spirotech is also showcasing the latest products and services from Spirotech’s commercial portfolio at this year’s EcoBuild....
