Local Authority Building & Maintenance May/June 2025 by Hamerville Media Group

LOCAL AUTHORITY BUIL DING& MA INT ENA NCE

HOUSING &

REDUCING PLASTIC IN CONSTRUCTION

Our continuing series looks at the fuelling of carbon emissions through the use of plastic in construction.

REGULARS

7 Comment Boost for social housing

8 News

UK’s first ‘all electric’ prison officially opens - Upgrades for the University of Leeds and Leeds general infirmarySustainable building materials sales surge

10 Industry comment

Matthew Warburton, Policy Advisor at the Association of Retained Council Housing (ARCH) discusses Local Government reform and what it means for housing

12 Reducing Plastic in Construction in association with Changing Streams and the University of Liverpool

Continuing our series of articles looking at how the construction industry can reduce its dependence on plastic

HOUSING & REGENERATION

14 Understanding utilities

The headache of tackling contaminated sites and making infrastructure improvements on Brownﬁeld sites

16 Exterior Paint That Lasts the Test of Time

Exploring the transformative power of exterior paint, from protecting buildings to shaping vibrant, welcoming spaces

18 Keep on rolling

How the latest innovation in rollerapplied coverings can help improve existing housing stock

20 Round Up

22 Fire dampers: essential information to meet building safety act requirements

Changes in safety legislation relating to ﬁre dampers mean housing providers must ensure their sites are compliant

25 Fire safety in ﬂat roof design

The added complexity to roof design requires heightened attention to ﬁre safety considerations

28 Round Up

29 Making Grant Funding Count Q & A with Warma UK on how new energy grants are finally moving from policy to delivery

32 Overcoming the decarbonisation challenges

How property services contractors are working to deliver eﬀective works under the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund

34 Technology is key to social housing decarbonisation

How technology can help housing providers navigate the road to net zero cost-eﬀectively

36 Round Up

38 Rising threats and smart solutions

How Doncaster Council is leading the charge in ﬂood defence

40 Grey and green

The need for eﬀective, long-term water management and the vital role grey infrastructure can play in protecting urban areas

42 Round Up

ROAD TO ZERO CARBON

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Dave Jones

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IN BRIEf

Albyn Housing Society expands into Skye

One of the largest social housing providers in the Highlands is expanding into the Isle of Skye for the ﬁrst time, providing seven new aﬀordable homes for key workers for mid-market rent Albyn Housing Society, which has almost 3,900 properties across 80 rural communities in the Highlands, will soon hand over properties in Kyleakin, Lower Breakish and Broadford on Skye to new tenants

Two new two-bedroom flats in Kyleakin have been refurbished with funding from the Scottish Government This transformation means that the former short term let accommodation has now been transformed into affordable homes In Broadford, Albyn has purchased four new homes for midmarket rent, including two three-bedroom homes and two two-bedroom flats In Lower Breakish, Albyn will provide a twobedroom bungalow for tenants

Latimer Breaks Ground at Dyecoats Scheme to Deliver Over 1,600 New Homes for Leeds

Latimer, the development arm of Clarion Housing Group, has commenced building works at Dyecoats, its ﬂagship site in the north of England, marking a major milestone in the delivery of over 1,600 new homes and up to £300 million in projected social value across the life of the project for the city of Leeds

With foundations underway, Dyecoats is set to become one of the most signiﬁcant regeneration projects in the region Phase 1 of the scheme will deliver 434 new homes, including 100 for social rent and 138 for shared ownership The wider development will also include a new food hall, high-quality public realm with access to the River Aire, and a new north-south link across the river, contributing to a thriving new neighbourhood in the heart of the city

Major resilience and sustainability upgrades for the University of Leeds and Leeds general

Equans, has successfully completed a major infrastructure upgrade project at Leeds Generating Station Complex (GSC) for the University of Leeds and Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

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r e m o t e p l a n t v i s i b i l i t y a n d c o n t r o l

l I n t r o d u c t i o n o f n e w g e n e r a t o r s ,

C H P e n g i n e s ,

The upgrades have been delivered with minimal disruption to end-users, ensuring continuity of patient care and educational services, while aligning with long-term sustainability goals and the customers’ commitments to net zero

Local elections due on 1 May in Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex have been cancelled Surrey councils have been asked to submit an agreed proposal for reorganisation by 9 May, with the intention that the new arrangements go live in 2027. Councils in the other areas have a deadline of 26 September, with the expectation of mayoral elections in 2026 and the new authorities going live in 2028 All the other remaining areas with two tiers of local gover nment will hold elections as scheduled and will be expected to submit plans for reform by 28 November.

The Government wants to see unitary authorities in place throughout England within 3 years Size matters, the expectation is that each new council will serve a minimum population of 500,000 And resistance is futile: the Devolution consultation paper expresses a “clear aspiration” that councils will agree on a single proposal for each area, but if not, the Government will consider any “suitable” proposal which has been submitted As matters stand, it looks unlikely that any area will escape reorganisation

Unitary authorities created in the 1990s, such as Southend, Thurrock, Portsmouth, Southampton, Derby and Nottingham, are also aﬀected, reﬂecting the shift in policy to “bigger is better”.

Nothing so radical has been attempted since the 1970s, and never at such speed. The long-term goals are

the capacity for a more strategic approach and hoped-for efficiencies of scale But the experience in areas like Cornwall, County Durham, North Yorkshire or Somerset suggest that the short term holds a significant risk of service disruption and a leadership vacuum that makes strategic decisions harder to reach and to implement, in housing no less than in other services Shadow authorities are likely to be established a year before the new councils go live to oversee the process of transition Although councillors can sit on both existing and shadow councils, the latter will become the focus of political attention, keeping services going in the old councils being much less exciting The temptation in the existing councils to defer major decisions to the new authority, especially controversial or politically unpopular ones can be hard to resist Senior officers will also tend to be preoccupied by their own prospects. It

“

is inevitable that, as soon it is reasonably clear what area the new council will cover, senior staff in the councils affected will take a view on their chances of being appointed to it, and many will decide to look for work elsewhere, or retire Resulting vacancies, if only because short term, will be hard to fill, assuming they are not left vacant to save money

www.arch-housing.org

None of this makes it easier for councils affected to respond to the challenges of the current housing agenda Implementing Awaab’s law, improving TSM scores or a regulatory grading are hard enough tasks as it is Achieving them at the same time as merging maybe seven housing services with widely differing history, challenges and cultures into one will be more than doubly difficult Let us hope it is worth it in the long run.

U n d e r s t a n d i n g u t i l i t i e s

Last Autumn, the UK Gover nment launched its Brownfield Release Fund - £68million to go directly to 54 councils to tur n neglected land into new homes. But even with this in place, the headache of tackling contaminated sites and making infrastructure improvements remains before new homes can be built. Jonathan Hopkins MD of BGS, an independent multi-utility infrastructure provider, talks us through the process.

We s h ou l d s t a r t b y

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Enhance Regeneration Projects with Exterior Paint That Lasts the Test of Time

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b u i l d i n g s h ou l d r ef l ect i t s f u n ct i on ,

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K e e p

o n r o l l i n g

While the gover nment is committed to delivering 1 5m new homes, local authorities remain focused on improving their existing housing stock. Here, Victoria Bramley, Product Manager at Okar no, looks at how the latest innovation in roller-applied coverings can help tur n around these homes quicker

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R e p a i r i n g w a l l s a n d c e i l i n g s

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H ow ev er, t h e em er gen ce of r ol l er -

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O n e o f t h e k ey a d v a n t a g es o f r o l l er -

a p p l i ed m et h o d s i s t h ei r v er s a t i l i t y

a c r o s s d i f f er en t s u b s t r a t es , i n c l u d i n g

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t y p i ca l l y d r y w i t h i n ei g h t h ou r s , w h i ch

p r ov es p a r t i cu l a r l y b en ef i ci a l f or t i m e-

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a p p l i ca t i on m et h od f or p l a s t er or

con cr et e w a l l s ca n a ccel er a t e

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R e a d y t o g o

Th e popu l a r i t y of r ea dy -m i xed r ol l er -

a ppl i ed cov er i n gs st em s f r om t h ei r u ser -

f r i en dl y a ppl i ca t i on pr ocess Th ei r

sm oot h , cr ea m y con si st en cy en su r es ev en di st r i bu t i on a cr oss su r f a ces u si n g a

st a n da r d n i n e-i n ch r ol l er, r esu l t i n g i n a

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sa n di n g a n d r epea t i n g t h e pr ocess i f

n ecessa r y or pr oceed w i t h pa i n t a n d

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p r eci s e q u a n t i t y r eq u i r

en t s T h e p r od u ct com es i n a 1 2 -l i t r e r es ea l a b l e con t a i n er, a v a i l a b l e t h r ou g h m er ch a n t s

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p r es er v i n g u n u s ed p r od u ct f or f u t u r e

a p p l i ca t i on s T h i s a l s o s u p p or t s a r ed u ct i on i n w a s t e f r om m i x i n g er r or s

or exces s p r ep a r a t i on

R ol l er -a p p l i ed cov er i n g s w or k

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a ch i ev e a s m oot h f i n i s h

S u s t a i n a b l e p r o d u c t i o n

O u r r o l l er -a p p l i ed c o v er i n g i s

m a n u f a c t u r ed b y a S a i n t G o b a i n

c o m p a n y c o m m i t t ed t o c l i m a t e-

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r ec y c l ed m a t er i a l s T h e p r o d u c t

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m a t er i a l s a n d em p t y c o n t a i n er s ,

en c o u r a g i n g en v i r o n m en t a l l y

r es p o n s i b l e w a s t e m a n a g em en t

T h e S m a r t S o l u t i o n

W h i l e t h e g o v er n m en t ' s f o c u s o n n ew

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em p l o y ed b y l o c a l a u t h o r i t i es t o

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s h o r t a g e m o r e ef f ec t i v el y

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cov er i n g s ca n p l a y a v i t a l r ol e i n t h i s p r oces s T h es e p r od u ct s r ep r es en t j u s t on e ex a m p l e of h ow m od er n s ol u t i on s ca n h el p u s a d d r es s a g e-ol d h ou s i n g

■ For more information on Dalapro Roll Nova, visit: www.rdr.link/lax004

HOUSINg & REgENERATION ROUND-UP

The AluRad Wi-Fi electric radiator from Dimplex is designed to blend eﬀortlessly into any interior, mirroring the aesthetic of traditional wet radiators and making it an ideal choice for both modern and classic spaces

Crafted from 100% recycled aluminium, AluRad Wi-Fi is a slimline, robust radiator that sits just 13 cm oﬀ the wall Its oil-based technology balances radiant and convected heat to deliver a long-lasting, gentle warmth that enhances comfort throughout the home Equipped with built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, it pairs seamlessly with the Dimplex CapaConnect app and is compatible with Amazon Alexa to enable remote operation without the need for additional accessories

ARRONE launches innovative split spindle

The AR227 split spindle from ARRONE, a HOPPE brand, is designed to address challenges faced while installing escape locks A split spindle is required to allow for the independent operation of a set of lever handles on either side while maintaining escape and security functions from the inside

Ultra Matt

To ensure decorators have the right amount of paint for their project, Dulux Trade is now offering its popular Ultra Matt paint in 3L packs The new pack size joins the existing 10L format, offering greater flexibility to suit different needs across domestic and commercial projects

Featuring an anti-flashing formulation with a smooth and even finish, Dulux Trade Ultra Matt is described as offering a solution specifically formulated for ceilings The new 3L pack size can cover up to 48m2, making it perfect for smaller, single room jobs

Using an innovative clip-ﬁx mechanism, the new split spindle removes the risk of overtightening which may occur with a traditional type of split spindle during assembly, as there is no need to screw the two halves together manually This ensures the consistent independent movement of the lock follower – a critical requirement for emergency egress functionality

This split spindle in combination with the ARRONE AR915 apartment lock ensures secure locking from the outside while maintaining emergency egress capabilities from the inside This makes it an ideal solution for multioccupancy buildings

■ For more information on the AR915 apartment lock with the AR227 split spindle visit www.rdr.link/lax006

Swish Building Products has extended its NatureClad cladding range with the addition of a new colour Moonlight Anthracite has been introduced to meet the continued demand from customers and the industry for a contemporary anthracite grey tone of premium wood eﬀect cladding

Available in both the 300mm Double Shiplap and 270mm Double Feather Edge cladding profiles, Moonlight Anthracite features the same highdefinition woodgrain texture and super matt finish as the rest of the collection Its lightweight cellular PVC composition makes it easy to install, extremely durable and simple to maintain

■ For more visit www rdr link/lax005 ■ For more please visit www.rdr.link/lax007

UK launches new website

Purpose-built with the trade in mind, the new platform delivers faster access to product data, technical downloads, and support tools, simplifying busy professionals' speciﬁcation and installation process

The streamlined website gives installers, merchants, and specifiers immediate access to datasheets, installation guides, and key documentation across the entire Saniflo range Refined product filters and a new product comparator also help professionals quickly identify the right solution for various domestic and commercial projects – from ensuite additions to hospitality refits

Prominently featured installation videos offer practical, step-by-step guidance for common product installs, reducing time on site and helping first-time users build confidence with the range

Saniﬂo

Swish extends Natureclad range with new colour

AluRad Wi-Fi

F i r e d a m p e r s : e s s e n t i a l

i n f o r m a t i o n t o m e e t b u i l d i n g s a f e t y a c t r e q u i r e m e n t s

i r e d a m p er s a r e i n s t a l l ed i n t h e d u c t w o r k o f h ea t i n g ,

v en t i l a t i o n a n d a i r

c o n d i t i o n i n g ( H V A C ) s y s t em s

t o i s o l a t e a n d p r ev en t t h e s p r ea d o f f i r e W h en a r i s e i n t em p er a t u r e

o c c u r s , t h e f i r e d a m p er i s a c t i v a t ed

t o c l o s e I n 2 0 2 1 B S R I A es t i m a t ed

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c u r t a i n d a m p er s a n d 7 0 , 0 0 0

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ev er y y ea r T h es e a r e f o r n ew

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n u m b er o f d a m p er s a l r ea d y i n s t a l l ed i n U K b u i l d i n g s c o u l d b e a s h i g h a s 1 0 0 m i l l i o n

I m p o r t a n t c h a n g e s

F i r s t l y, w i t h r eg a r d t o d es i g n a n d

con s t r u ct i on , u n d er t h e B u i l d i n g

S a f et y A ct 2 0 2 2 , r es p on s i b i l i t i es h a v e

i n cr ea s ed f or a l l D u t y h ol d er s

Those involved in construction and maintenance of local authority buildings need to be aware of changes in safety legislation relating to fire dampers in order to ensure their sites are compliant. The Building Safety Act, brought into law in April 2022, as well as secondary legislation and reforms to existing legislation, have changed the way in which custodians of buildings must think, both during design and after construction. Here Liam Nevins TIFireE, Product Technical Manager – Fire Protection, TROX UK investigates

( i n d i v i d u a l s a n d or g a n i s a t i on s t h a t

com m i s s i on , d es i g n , con s t r u ct or

r ef u r b i s h b u i l d i n g s ) T h os e i n v ol v ed

m u s t n ow g o b ey on d t h e

r eq u i r em en t s of t h e C on s t r u ct i on

( D es i g n a n d M a n a g em en t ) R eg u l a t i on s ( C D M ) , en s u r i n g p r oj ect s

a r e n ot on l y s a f e t o b u i l d , u s e a n d

m a i n t a i n , b u t a l s o m a k i n g s u r e t h ey

a r e s a f e t o occu p y

S ec o n d l y, t h e A c t a l s o i n t r o d u c ed

t h e n ew r o l e o f A c c o u n t a b l e P er s o n ,

“Fire Protection Centre ICB Furnace”

w h i c h r ef er s t o i n d i v i d u a l s o r

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r es p o n s i b i l i t y f o r b u i l d i n g s d u r i n g

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ex a m p l e c o r r i d o r s a n d l o b b i es

T h er ef o r e, r es p o n s i b i l i t y f a l l s o n

D u t y h o l d er s t o s el ec t “ a d eq u a t e a n d

p r o p er m a t er i a l s ” , t h a t a r e

“ a p p r o p r i a t e f o r t h e c i r c u m s t a n c es

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r o u t i n e i n s p ec t i o n a n d m a i n t en a n c e

t h r o u g h o u t t h e l i f et i m e o f t h e

b u i l d i n g c a n b e a c h i ev ed

K e y t o p i c s c o v e r e d b y N A A D - 2 2

T h e N A A D -2 2 d ocu m en t cov er s

d es i g n , s el ect i on , i n s t a l l a t i on a n d

m a i n t en a n ce of f i r e d a m p er s I n

a d d i t i on t o p r ov i d i n g a n ov er v i ew of

d a m p er t y p es , N A A D -2 2 p r ov i d es

g u i d a n ce on m i n i m u m r eg u l a t or y

r eq u i r em en t s f or r ou t i n e

m a i n t en a n ce, t es t i n g a n d i n s p ect i on

of i n s t a l l ed d a m p er s I t a l s o cov er s

i n s t a l l a t i on , t es t i n g a n d

com m i s s i on i n g of d a m p er s d u r i n g

i n i t i a l i n s t a l l a t i on , a s w el l a s

con s i d er a t i on s f or t h e cor r ect d es i g n

f or, a n d s el ect i on of , f i r e d a m p er s

S om e k ey a r ea s t o s t u d y a r e t h e

r eq u i r em en t s r el a t i n g t o s y s t em

d es i g n a n d d a m p er s el ect i on , a n d t h e

i m p or t a n ce of d et a i l a n d q u a l i t y of

w or k m a n s h i p d u r i n g i n s t a l l a t i on

R ec o g n i t i o n i s g i v en t h a t t h e

r eq u i r ed k n o w l ed g e m a y n o t b e h el d

b y a s i n g l e p a r t y, t h er ef o r e, t h e

i n v o l v em en t o f a m a n u f a c t u r er a t

t h e ea r l y s t a g e o f d es i g n , w h o c a n

s u p p o r t t h e D u t y h o l d er w i t h r es p ec t

t o t h e c er t i f i ed a p p l i c a t i o n s o f t h e

d a m p er s , s h o u l d b e c o n s i d er ed I n t h e c a s e o f a n ew b u i l d , o n c e

t h e b u i l d i n g h a s b een d es i g n ed f o r

c o m p a r t m en t a l i s a t i o n , a n d t h e

d a m p er i s b ei n g s el ec t ed , t h e t y p e o f

s u p p o r t i n g c o n s t r u c t i o n i n t o w h i c h

t h e d a m p er i s t o b e i n s t a l l ed i s

c r u c i a l T h e m a n u f a c t u r er m u s t p r o v i d e a D ec l a r a t i o n o f

P er f o r m a n c e ( D o P ) a n d I n s t a l l a t i o n

& O p er a t i n g M a n u a l ( I O M ) t o t h e

D u t y h o l d er, s p ec i f i c t o t h e

s u p p o r t i n g c o n s t r u c t i o n W i t h o u t

b o t h o f t h es e d o c u m en t s , t h er e i s n o

g u a r a n t ee o f p er f o r m a n c e o r t h a t

t h e i n s t a l l a t i o n w i l l m eet t h e

r eq u i r ed p er f o r m a n c e

F a i l u r e t o i n s t a l l a f i r e d a m p er i n

a c c o r d a n c e w i t h m a n u f a c t u r er s I O M ,

w i t h o u t o b t a i n i n g p er m i s s i o n f o r a n

i n s t a l l a t i o n d ev i a t i o n , w i l l r en d er t h e

f i r e d a m p er n o n -c o m p l i a n t , w i t h

r es p o n s i b i l i t y t o u n d er w r i t e t h e

i n s t a l l a t i o n f a l l i n g o n t h o s e i n v o l v ed

i n t h i s d es i g n d ec i s i o n

A f t er i n s t a l l a t i o n ,

c h a n g es t o t h e

b u i l d i n g u s e w h i c h

m i g h t i m p a c t u p o n t h e

r eq u i r ed d a m p er

c l a s s i f i c a t i o n a r e a l s o

c r i t i c a l , a s t h ey c o u l d

v o i d t h e o r i g i n a l

i n s t a l l a t i o n

c o m p l i a n c e F o r

ex a m p l e, i f a c h a n g e

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d a m p er p r o t ec t i n g a n

es c a p e r o u t e, a f u s i b l e

l i n k f i r e d a m p er w o u l d

n eed

t o b e c h a n g ed t o

a m o t o r i s ed f i r e

d a m p er

T e c h n i c a l s u p p o r t

E n g a g em en t w i t h t h e f i r e d a m p er

m a n u f a c t u r er a t a n ea r l y s t a g e i s

t h er ef o r e c r u c i a l t o a c h i ev e

c o m p l i a n c e W i t h o n e o f E u r o p e ’ s

m o s t m o d er n f i r e p r o t ec t i o n

l a b o r a t o r i es , t h e I n t er n a t i o n a l

C en t r e f o r F i r e P r o t ec t i o n

Tec h n o l o g y ( I C B ) , T R OX h a s

d ev el o p ed t h ei r r a n g e o f F i r e

D a m p er s f o r a w i d e r a n g e o f

s u p p o r t i n g c o n s t r u c t i o n s en c o u n t er ed i n m o d er n b u i l d i n g s

f r o m s o l i d w a l l s a n d f l o o r s t o

l i g h t w ei g h t p a r t i t i o n w a l l s ( m et a l

a n d w o o d en s t u d ) , s o l i d w o o d / C LT

w a l l s a n d f l o o r s , s a n d w i c h p a n el

w a l l s , a s y m m et r i c s h a f t w a l l , r i b b ed

c o n c r et e a n d h o l l o w d ec k , a m o n g

o t h er s T h i s h a s r es u l t ed i n 3 r d p a r t y

N o t i f i ed B o d y t es t i n g a n d

c er t i f i c a t i o n o f o v er 4 0 0 d a m p er

i n s t a l l a t i o n s W e c a n a s s i s t t h o s e

s p ec i f y i n g d a m p er s b y p r o v i d i n g

p r o v en , d ec l a r ed p er f o r m a n c e w i t h i n

a n ex t en s i v e r a n g e o f s u p p o r t i n g

c o n s t r u c t i o n s a n d w i t h m u l t i p l e

p en et r a t i o n s ea l o p t i o n s T h e f u l l

a c c o m p a n y i n g i n s t a l l a t i o n d et a i l s f o r

t h e s p ec i f i c a p p l i c a t i o n s a r e

a v a i l a b l e f o r a n ex t r em el y w i d e

r a n g e o f m o u n t i n g s i t u a t i o n s , a n d

s p ec i f i er s a n d c o n t r a c t o r s c a n b e

p r o v i d ed w i t h t h e i n f o r m a t i o n

n ec es s a r y t o en s u r e a c c u r a t e

s el ec t i o n a n d i n s t a l l a t i o n o f T R OX

f i r e p r o t ec t i o n d a m p er s T h i s i s

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r eg u l a t o r y c o m p l i a n c e, a n d t o

s a f eg u a r d b u i l d i n g s a f et y

■ For more please visit www rdr link/lax011

“Rectangular Fire Damper”

“Circular Fire Damper”

Offering more than just weather protection, flat roofs are becoming an increasingly popular aspect of public sector design, delivering multifunctional spaces that can include HVAC systems, solar panels and green infrastructure. However, this added complexity requires heightened attention to fire safety considerations, especially following regulatory changes and high-profile incidents like the Grenfell Tower tragedy – as Mike Vaczi, Technical Director at SOPREMA, explains.

Fire safety in flat roof design: navigating compliance in public sector construction

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New wireless fogging integration for ultimate intruder deterrent

HKC Security has launched the RF-FOG module, a wireless fogging integration designed to deliver enhanced internal protection for both residential and commercial premises

This new module enables seamless connectivity between HKC’s control panels and third-party security fogging systems including UR FOG and Density Global, providing a fast, eﬀective response in the event of an intruder or panic activation

Fully compatible with the HKC 10270 control panel, RFFOG connects via HKC’s SecureWave two-way wireless technology, ensuring reliable and encrypted communication without the need for additional wiring

The fogging system can be programmed to activate upon detection of an Alarm, Alarm Confirm, Panic, or Panic Confirm activation from a connected HKC Intruder Alarm system Different activation times can be set for Alarm and Panic events, offering installers and users complete flexibility in deploying the fogging system

Designed to minimise loss and damage during a break-in, the system instantly releases a dense fog, and within 10 seconds hands or feet cannot be seen, obscuring vision and forcing intruders to ﬂee

DryGuard FR

Billed as “the world’s first fire-retardant and water-resistant plywood,” DryGuard FR has been developed following feedback from Premier Forest customers and uses groundbreaking technology pioneered by leading European manufacturer, Paged Building on the success of Premier Forest’s first DryGuard water resistant plywood product launch in 2021, the fireretardant upgrade is “durable and safe, with low formaldehyde and VOC emissions” and has a Type III Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)

Suitable for use in roofs, ﬂoors and walls, the plywood has been rigorously tested and is compliant with the relevant EN standards, in addition to CE2+ FSC certiﬁcation

The Structural Timber Association (STA) has released the latest update to the STA Volume 1 Pattern Book: Structural timber buildings ﬁre safety in use, which provides information on the performance of diﬀerent structural timber elements

The publication, which has been peer reviewed by experts at BRE Global, demonstrates the ﬁre resistance performance of a range of timber frame wall and engineered timber ﬂoor constructions used commonly in the UK By streamlining the process of demonstrating compliance for designers, manufacturers and regulators, the STA provides simple, clear instructions on what component parts within each construction element can be changed

The latest update to the STA Volume 1 Pattern Book includes two new wall elements, minor clarifications to previously existing wall and floor elements and generic roof spandrel elements, and several clarifications aimed at making the document easier to use The STA and its members have continued to invest in the content of the Pattern Book since it was first published in 2020 and not surprisingly it is one of the most popular downloads from the association’s website

New Online tool for guidance on ﬁre stopping product selection

FSi Promat has launched a new Quick Selector online tool to make it easier and quicker for speciﬁers to access information on its ﬁre stopping range, helping to identify the best product to use

The searchable database contains all the details needed, including test standards, performance details, and supporting third party documentation for particular applications and products in order to ensure correct use when reinstating compartmentation, essential to eﬀective passive ﬁre protection in buildings

With live links embedded in the documentation, Quick Selector provides an intuitive solution when searching for information on the scope of a product with installers able to search diﬀerent products, standard details and applications, such as for use in ﬂexible, rigid and load bearing walls

Each technical detail includes a series of illustrations and descriptions of correct installation All other information, such as related TDS, SDS and DOP are available online

Pyroguard unveils the Techlibrary

Pyroguard, has launched the Pyroguard TechLibrary –an innovative digital platform designed to make it easier for architects, speciﬁers and contractors to access essential technical data and test results

This online resource offers a comprehensive and regularly updated library of technical product information, test certifications and resources, tailored to the needs of fire safety glass professionals With its modern and intuitive interface, the TechLibrary allows users to quickly find the necessary information, saving valuable time at every stage of the specification process

Advanced search capabilities allow users to filter results by country, application, glass type, dimensions and more, ensuring precision in the product selection process Continuously updated, it provides access to the latest system approvals and compliance resources, so professionals can be confident they are working with the most current information Fully optimised for mobile, it ensures essential data is always readily available, whether in the office or on the go

The STA bolster volume pattern book with update

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a cr os s t h e U K t h r ou g h p r ev i ou s

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s i d e, a n d w e ’ v e b u i l t a d el i v er y m od el

t h a t h a n d l es a l l of i t , en d t o en d

Ou r r ol e i s t o m ak e t h i n gs easi er Th at m ean s l ess adm i n f or i n t er n al t eam s an d

bet t er en gagem en t w i t h r esi den t s

F i n a l t h o u g h t s ?

T h e f u n d i n g ’ s t h er e T h e n eed cou l d n ’ t

b e cl ea r er W h a t m a t t er s n ow i s d el i v er y, a n d w or k i n g w i t h p a r t n er s w h o k n ow

h ow t o m a k e t h es e s ch em es w or k f or

t h e m os t p eop l e

The decarbonisation of housing has the power to help improve people’s lives, but the reality of project delivery is a multitude of risks and challenges. Here, Craig Bell, CEO of Bell Group, highlights the hurdles and explores how property services contractors are working to overcome them to deliver effective works under the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund

Measure by measure: overcoming the decarbonisation challenges

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of t h e p u b l i c s ect or u n d er w a y S o m u ch

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w i t h w or k s n ow b ei n g d el i v er ed a s p a r t

of W a v e 3 of t h e W H : S H F – i t ’ s i m p er a t i v e t h a t w e g et i t r i g h t

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w o r k f o r c e n e e d e d

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a t t r a c t i n g p r o f es s i o n a l s i n t o t h e

c o n s t r u c t i o n i n d u s t r y a n d f o r r et r o f i t

a n d d ec a r b o n i s a t i o n m ea s u r es , w e n eed a w o r k f o r c e w i t h t h e a p p r o p r i a t e

l ev el o f s k i l l s a n d k n o w l ed g e

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a w a i t ed i n v es t m en t

p a c k a g e o f £ 6 0 0 m i l l i o n

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b u t t h a t w i l l t a k e t i m e

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a b o u t h o w w e t r a i n

p eo p l e A r e w e d o i n g i t

i n a w a y t h a t m a k es

s en s e f o r t h em a s

i n d i v i d u a l s – a n d f o r t h e

p r o j ec t s t h ey w o r k o n ?

R a t h er t h a n h a v e

t r a d i t i o n a l t r a d e s i l o s – m u l t i -s k i l l ed

t r a d e p r o f es s i o n a l s w o u l d b e a f a r

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T h i s c a n a l s o h el p u s t o a d d r es s t h e

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v a r i et y W e n eed t o t a k e a s t ep b a c k

a n d l o o k a t t h e h o l i s t i c d el i v er y o f

d ec a r b o n i s a t i o n a c r o s s s o c i a l h o u s i n g

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v a r i ed a n d f u l f i l l i n g r o l es f o r t h e

l o n g er -t er m

T h e c o s t o f c o m p l i a n c e

F or m a n y, t h e s h eer q u a n t i t y of i m a g es ,

d a t a s et s a n d on s i t e r ecor d i n g s r eq u i r ed

f or PA S 2 0 3 5 com p l i a n ce i s a

s u b s t a n t i a l b u r d en ; b u t t h i s i s s u e i s f a r

w or s e f or s m a l l er con t r a ct or s or

a s s oci a t i on s w i t h a l a r g e s t ock

F a i l u r e t o com p l et e d ocu m en t a t i on

cor r ect l y ca n r es u l t i n p en a l t i es of u p t o

5 0 % of t h e p r oj ect v a l u e A s a r es u l t , m a n y s m a l l er con t r a ct or s a r en ’ t w i l l i n g t o t a k e t h e a s s oci a t ed l ev el of r i s k t h a t d eca r b on i s a t i on m ea s u r es f or s oci a l h ou s i n g b r i n g s w i t h i t T h er e i s n o ea s y f i x t o t h i s p a r t i cu l a r ch a l l en g e – a s es s en t i a l l y t h e r u l es a r e t h er e t o p r ot ect

Technology is key to social

h o u s i n g d e c a r b o n i s a t i o n

G i v e n t h e s i z e o f t h e U K ’s s o c i a l h o u s i n g s t o c k , t h e m u l t i p l e a i m s a n d t h e f i n a n c e s

i n v o l v e d , ro l l i n g o u t re t ro f i t t i n g p ro j e c t s i s a c o m p l e x t a s k t h a t d e m a n d s c a re f u l p l a n n i n g .

L i s a C a i r n s , B u s i n e s s D e v e l o p m e n t & I m p ro v e m e n t M a n a g e r a t I RT S u r v e y s , p a r t o f t h e

M e a r s G ro u p , e x p l o re s h o w t e c h n o l o g y c a n h e l p h o u s i n g p ro v i d e r s n a v i g a t e t h e ro a d t o

n e t z e ro c o s t - e ff e c t i v e l y a n d a t p a c e

En er g y ef f i c i en c y

i m p r o v em en t s a r e es s en t i a l

t o r ed u c e c a r b o n em i s s i o n s ,

b u t w i t h o v er f o u r m i l l i o n

h o m es i n t h e s o c i a l h o u s i n g s ec t o r –

es t i m a t ed t o c o s t a n ey e-w a t er i n g

£ 1 0 4 b i l l i o n t o r et r o f i t – h o u s i n g

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E n s u r i n g t h ey a r e m a k i n g h om es

w a r m er, i m p r ov i n g en er g y ef f i ci en cy

a n d r ed u ci n g ca r b on f oot p r i n t s , a l l

w h i l e w or k i n g t o b u d g et , r el i es on

ch oos i n g t h e r i g h t r et r of i t t i n g

s ol u t i on H ow ev er, b eca u s e s oci a l

h ou s i n g i n cl u d es a v a r i et y of p r op er t y t y p es , i t i s u n l i k el y t h a t on e s ol u t i on

w i l l f i t a l l

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s a v i n g op t i on s t o ch oos e f r om ,

ex a g g er a t ed cl a i m s a b ou t t h e b en ef i t s of s om e s ol u t i on s , ou t d a t ed on l i n e

i n f or m a t i on a b ou t p r od u ct s a n d g r a n t s , a n d a g en er a l l a ck of u n d er s t a n d i n g

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s om e s ol u t i on s , m a k i n g t h e r i g h t ch oi ce

ca n b e a ch a l l en g e

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a b ou t t h ei r s oci a l h ou s i n g s t ock

T h a n k f u l l y, m od er n t ech n ol og i es a r e p r og r es s i v el y b ei n g em p l oy ed t o p r ov i d e t h e d a t a n eed ed t o i m p l em en t t h e m os t ef f ect i v e s ol u t i on s

T h e v a l u e o f d a t a

C ol l ect i n g d a t a f r om a cr os s t h ei r

h ou s i n g s t ock i s v i t a l a s i t en a b l es

s oci a l h ou s i n g p r ov i d er s t o b e a w a r e of

t h e m ea s u r es ea ch h om e n eed s t o

RoAD To ZERo CARBon – RoUnD UP

CPD courses available online

Ecological Building Systems, a leading supplier of natural building products for sustainable construction, has revealed its comprehensive CPD programme for the year ahead

The programme, which is run via live webinar by Ecological Building Systems technical experts, covers a wide variety of building topics These include airtightness and active moisture management, breathable internal wall insulation systems, optimising building performance, new build construction using wood fibre insulation and product-specific topics such as IndiBreathe Flex – a natural flexible insulation made from UK hemp and upcycled jute The topics are scheduled to take place on a regular basis throughout the year, to offer greater flexibility to delegates

■ To book a place on an

Renewables product selector

New heat pump for the UK

Fernox has announced the launch of its new Renewables Product Selector, which the company says has been designed to provide a fast, easy-to-use single source tool for professionals working with renewable heating systems Streamlining the product selection process the tool has been designed to help engineers to find the right renewables water treatment product for their specific requirements

Available on the manufacturer’s website, users can provide the project details using the multiple-choice prompts, such the type of heating emitters, the size of the system being treated, and the level of frost protection required Based on the provided criteria, the online tool provides instant access to Fernox’s water treatment recommendations and product information for each Users can also request the results are emailed to a chosen address for future reference

Hitachi Cooling & Heating has announced the UK launch of its latest innovation in home climate technology: the Yutaki M Series 2 monobloc air-to-water heat pump

This next-generation monobloc system is now available across the UK, oﬀering an energy-eﬃcient, space-saving solution for modern homes

Designed with sustainability and eﬃciency in mind, it delivers space heating, cooling, and domestic hot water (DHW) all in a sleek, modern unit ideal for small homes and new-build properties

With models ranging from 4 3 kW to 8 kW, the Yutaki M Series 2 ﬁts perfectly into homes with limited indoor space Its monobloc design means everything is housed in a single outdoor unit, simplifying installation by eliminating the need to handle refrigerants and freeing up valuable indoor room

The system is compatible with a wide range of emitters, including underﬂoor heating, radiators, fan coil units, and watersource ducts It can also be paired with a remote hot water tank for greater ﬂexibility

Join the Net Zero Journey with Ideal Heating Commercial’s Information Hub

Ideal Heating Commercial Products has introduced a net zero information hub on its website - idealcommercialboilers com/netzero - where visitors can regularly return to read up-to-date information on the UK’s drive to decarbonise commercial heating, paving the way to net zero in 2050 It has been created as part of Ideal Heating’s Join the Net Zero Journey strategy, aimed at providing customers with low carbon commercial heating solutions

The information hub is home to informative case studies, white papers, and instructive guides created by Ideal Heating

Case studies, the latest of which include a school, housing development and offices, clearly demonstrate how industry colleagues are deploying low carbon heating solutions to the best effect, and the impact on energy usage and emissions The full array of Ideal Heating low carbon commercial heating technologies is covered, from heat pumps through to highly efficient heat networks and hydrogen blend ready boilers

■ For more information, please visit www rdr link/lax024

Mitsubishi Electric unveils growing Ecodan R290 Heat Pump range

Following the launch of the 5kW and 6kW models in October 2023, the range now extends to include 8 5kW, 10kW, and 12kW models

These models, the company says, oﬀer a powerful, low-carbon heating solution for larger homes and properties with higher heat loss

The Ecodan R290 heat pump, manufactured in the UK, utilises the natural refrigerant R290 and delivers ﬂow temperatures of up to 75°C This makes them suitable for properties that cannot undergo extensive fabric upgrades or insulation improvements Additionally, they are compatible with existing microbore pipework, allowing homeowners to transition to renewable heating without major system overhauls

The new range is fully compatible with all Ecodan cylinders and it incorporates Mitsubishi Electric’s latest Flow Temperature Controller – 7 and MELCloud connectivity

For more please visit www.rdr.link/lax025

A UK first Indoor air quality and ventilation manufacturing specialist Nuaire has announced that its Magnelis® steel-based ventilations systems are now being made from XCarb® recycled and renewably produced steel Leading the way in sustainability, Nuaire is the first UK ventilation manufacturer to switch to this innovative steel, which will result in a 64% reduction in CO2 emissions on these products within the first year alone, compared with the same steel manufactured via the conventional steelmaking route Products to benefit from the transition to XCarb® steel include Nuaire’s industry leading BPS air handling units and XBOXER XBC packaged heat recovery systems

XCarb® recycled and renewably produced steel has been developed by ArcelorMittal, Europe’s largest steelmaker, as a part of their decarbonisation strategy Made in an electric arc furnace in Spain with guaranteed high scrap content and 100% renewable electricity, the steel has a third-party veriﬁed

d eci s i v e s t ep s t o s t r en g t h en f l ood

r es i l i en ce a n d p r ot ect i t s com m u n i t i es

S i t u a t ed a l on g t h e R i v er D on , t h e ci t y

h a s f a ced r ep ea t ed a n d ca t a s t r op h i c

f l ood ev en t s ov er t h e y ea r s , m a k i n g i t

on e of t h e U K ’ s f l ood i n g h ot s p ot s

I n r es p on s e t o t h i s , t h e cou n ci l h a s

a d op t ed n ew A I t ech n ol og y t h a t

con t i n u a l l y m on i t or s w a t er l ev el s a l on g

cr i t i ca l p oi n t s of t h e R i v er D on t o

p r ov i d e i n s t a n t w a t er l ev el r ea d i n g s

a n d com m u n i t i es r es p on d q u i ck l y t o

em er g i n g f l ood r i s k s

T h e c u t t i n g -ed g e A I t ec h n o l o g y

k n o w n a s A v a d a C o n n ec t , h a s b een

i n s t a l l ed o n l i g h t i n g c o l u m n s a n d

n ea r b y el ec t r i c a l o u t l et s a t k ey p o i n t s

a l o n g t h e r i v er R ep r es en t i n g a m a j o r

l ea p f o r w a r d i n f l o o d m a n a g em en t

a n d p r ev en t i o n , t h e t ec h n o l o g y

d el i v er s r ea l -t i m e a l er t s a n d d a t a -

d r i v en i n s i g h t s

A s p a r t of t h e p i l ot p r oj ect , A v a d a

C on n ect w i l l p r ov i d e a con t i n u ou s

s t r ea m of d a t a on r i v er w a t er l ev el s , en a b l i n g t h e l oca l a u t h or i t y t o

a ccu r a t el y a s s es s f l ood r i s k s a n d

r ef er en ce h i s t or i ca l f l ood ev en t s T h i s

w i l l h el p s h a p e f u t u r e f l ood d ef en ce

s t r a t eg i es a n d s i g n i f i ca n t l y r ed u ce t h e

t i m e a n d r es ou r ces p r ev i ou s l y s p en t on

m a n u a l m on i t or i n g

I n a d d i t i on t o t r a ck i n g w a t er l ev el s ,

A v a d a C on n ect w i l l m on i t or r a i n f a l l t o

h el p en a b l e ea r l y p r ed i ct i on s a n d a l l ow

t h e cou n ci l t o i n t r od u ce p r oa ct i v e

m ea s u r es t o m i t i g a t e t h e i m p a ct of

r i s i n g w a t er l ev el s a n d s u r f a ce f l ood i n g

On e of t h e k ey f ea t u r es of t h e A v a da

sy st em i s i t s a bi l i t y t o sen d a u t om a t ed

a l er t s w h en w a t er l ev el s r ea ch f l ood-r i sk

t h r esh ol ds Th ese a l er t s a r e

a u t om a t i ca l l y sen t t o D on ca st er Cou n ci l ,

en a bl i n g sw i f t a n d i n f or m ed a ct i on

T h e s y s t em of f er s f u l l cu s t om i s a t i on ,

w h i ch w i l l a l l ow l oca l a u t h or i t i es t o s et

a l er t p a r a m et er s b a s ed on s p eci f i c w a t er l ev el s or r a i n f a l l a m ou n t s T h i s

en s u r es on l y r el ev a n t , a ct i on a b l e d a t a

i s s h a r ed

A l on g s i d e a u t om a t ed a l er t s , a u t h or i s ed u s er s ca n a l s o a cces s r ea l -

t i m e d a t a t h r ou g h a s ecu r e

d a s h b oa r d , en s u r i n g d eci s i on -m a k er s

a r e a l w a y s eq u i p p ed w i t h t h e l a t es t

i n f or m a t i on

A v i s i o n f o r t h e f u t u r e

D on ca s t er ’ s u s e of t h e A v a d a s y s t em

a l on g t h e R i v er D on i s j u s t t h e

b eg i n n i n g T h e s y s t em i s p a r t of a

w i d er p r oj ect t h a t w i l l ev en t u a l l y b e

r ol l ed ou t t o ot h er ci t i es a cr os s t h e U K

L ook i n g a t t h e s t a t i s t i cs , i t ’ s cl ea r t o

s ee w h er e a d op t i n g n ew er t ech n ol og i es

ca n h el p s u p p or t cou n ci l s a n d

s a f eg u a r d com m u n i t i es F or s u r f a ce

w a t er, w h i ch i s t h e s econ d m os t

com m on f l ood i n g t y p e a cr os s t h e U K ,

t h e t ech n ol og y ca n b e u t i l i s ed a l on g

“In addition to tracking water levels , Avada

Connect will monitor rainfall to help ena ble ear ly predictions”

h i g h w a y s a n d w i t h i n k ey a r ea s , s u ch a s

ca r p a r k s , t o m i t i g a t e d i s r u p t i on t o

i n f r a s t r u ct u r e

W i t h ex t r em e w ea t h er con di t i on s on

t h e r i se, cou n ci l s n eed t o st a r t t a k i n g pr oa ct i v e m ea su r es t o bet t er u n der st a n d

f l ood r i sk s a n d pl a n f or em er gen ci es t o pr ot ect l oca l com m u n i t i es I bel i ev e t h a t

w i t h t h e da t a pr ov i ded by t h ese n ew t ech n ol ogi es, w e ca n m i t i ga t e t h e r i sk of sev er e f l oodi n g, a n d t h e da m a ge ca u sed

■ For more please visit www.rdr.link/lax027

G r e y a n d g r e e n – t h e c o l o u r p a l e t t e

o u r u r b a n e n v i r o n m e n t s n e e d

Here, Martin Lambley, Product Manager for Urban Climate Resilience at Wavin, discusses the need for effective, long-term water management and the vital role grey infrastructure can play in protecting urban areas by mitigating large volumes of surface water and working in harmony with a more green ideology.

Ou r ci t i es a r e con t i n u i n g t o ev ol v e a s a r es u l t of r a p i d

u r b a n i s a t i on T h r ou g h ou t t h e

2 0 t h a n d 2 1 s t cen t u r i es , w e

h a v e s een t h e s u r f a ces of u r b a n

en v i r on m en t s b ecom e d om i n a t ed b y

t a r m a c a n d con cr et e T h e p r ev a l en ce of t h es e h a r d , l es s p er m ea b l e s u r f a ces h a s

i n t en s i f i ed t h e ch a l l en g es p os ed b y t h e cl i m a t e cr i s i s a n d p op u l a t i on g r ow t h , l ea d i n g t o m u ch m or e f r eq u en t f l a s h f l ood i n g , ex t r em e t em p er a t u r es , a n d a n ov er a l l d ecl i n e i n b i od i v er s i t y

Th e ‘ gr ey t o gr een ’ appr oach , coi n ed by bu i l t en v i r on m en t pr of essi on al , seek s

t o t r an sf or m ou t dat ed i n f r ast r u ct u r e by r ew i l di n g ou r ci t i es F ocu si n g on cr eat i n g gr een er en v i r on m en t s, t h i s m et h od seek s

t o r epl ace t h e h ar d i n f r ast r u ct u r e of t h e past , ador n i n g ci t i es w i t h beau t i f u l gr een er y t h at al so ser v es an i m por t an t

r ol e i n f l ood pr ev en t i on an d m i t i gat i on How ev er, speci f i c, en gi n eer ed gr ey

i n f r ast r u ct u r e st i l l h as a r ol e t o pl ay -

par t i cu l ar l y i n r et r of i t t i n g agei n g sy st em s

t o cope w i t h i n cr easi n g u r ban i sat i on an d

ext r em e w eat h er

M o u n t i n g p r e s s u r e s

C i t i es , on t h e w h ol e, a r e r el y i n g on

ou t d a t ed g r ey i n f r a s t r u ct u r e a n d

a g ei n g d r a i n a g e s y s t em s T h es e

s y s t em s a r e i n cr ea s i n g l y i l l -eq u i p p ed t o

m a n a g e ex t r em e w ea t h er ev en t s , es p eci a l l y w h en w e con s i d er a l ot of

t h es e s t i l l i n u s e t od a y w er e or i g i n a l l y

con s t r u ct ed i n t h e V i ct or i a n or ev en

E d w a r d i a n er a s I n f a ct , a ccor d i n g t o a

r ep or t f r om t h e N a t i on a l I n f r a s t r u ct u r e

C om m i s s i on , 6 0 0, 0 0 0 h om es a n d

b u s i n es s es a r e a t r i s k f r om f u t u r e

f l ood i n g i f n ot h i n g i s d on e t o i m p r ov e

d r a i n a g e ov er t h e n ex t 3 0 y ea r s

A n ot h er k ey ch a l l en ge i s t h e u r ba n h ea t i s l a n d ( U H I ) ef f ect , w h er e

con cr et e-h ea v y ci t y s ca p es t r a p h ea t , r es u l t i n g i n h i gh er l oca l i s ed

t em p er a t u r es com p a r ed t o t h e

s u r r ou n di n g a r ea s T h i s p h en om en on

ca n l ea d t o h ea t s t r ok e a n d ev en

con t r i bu t e t o m or e s er i ou s con di t i on s

l i k e ca r di ov a s cu l a r di s ea s e,

p r es en t i n g a s er i ou s r i s k t o p u bl i c

h ea l t h A ddi t i on a l l y, t h e h ea t ca n

f u r t h er da m a ge r oa ds , br i dges , a n d

es s en t i a l bu i l di n gs , s u ch a s s ch ool s

a n d s oci a l h ou s i n g, p l a ci n g s i gn i f i ca n t

s t r a i n on l oca

l a u t h or i t i es , a s w el l a s

m ou n t i n g m a i n t en a n ce cos t s

E n h a n ci n g r es i l i en ce t o u r b a n

cl i m a t e ch a n g e s t a r t s w i t h f u n d a m en t a l l y ch a n g i n g ou r

a p p r oa ch t o w a t er m a n a g em en t I t i s

v i t a l f or u s a s a s oci et y t o r ecog n i s e

w a t er a s p r eci ou s r es ou r ce t h a t

s h ou l d b e m a n a g ed a n d r eu s ed ,

r a t h er t h a n a s w a s t e t h a t i s l os t t o a

s ew a g e s y s t em T h i s s t a r t s w i t h l oca l

a u t h or i t y a r ch i t ect s , s p eci f i er s , a n d

p l a n n er s en s u r i n g s y s t em s a r e i n

p l a ce t o s a f eg u a r d a g a i n s t exces s

s u r f a ce w a t er, w h i l e b ol s t er i n g w a t er

r es ou r ces d u r i n g d r ou g h t s – k eep i n g

w a t er i n t h e l oop

E n g i n e e r e d f o r s u c c e s s

Gr een s ol u t i on s a r e p r ov i n g t o b e

p ow er f u l a p p r oa ch es t o r et h i n k i n g h ow

w e m a n a g e w a t er i n ou r ci t i es F r om

r a i n g a r d en s t o b i os w a l es , t h es e n a t u r e-

b a s ed s ol u t i on s n ot on l y a b s or b a n d

f i l t er r a i n w a t er b u t a l s o h el p cool u r b a n

a r ea s , i m p r ov e a i r q u a l i t y, a n d s u p p or t

b i od i v er s i t y B y m i m i ck i n g t h e n a t u r a l

p r oces s , t h ey s of t en t h e h a r s h n es s of

t h e b u i l t en v i r on m en t a n d r econ n ect

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News, views and comment celebrating mastic asphalt, the UK’s most versatile building solution

Mastic Asphalt: The proven waterproofing solution for a greener future.

SUSTAINABILITY EDITION 2025

Inside this issue:

Mastic Asphalt Environmental Credentials

Energy Efficiency and Carbon Reduction

Sustainability in Action:

- The Harris, Preston

- Keble College, Oxford

- MOD Shoeburyness

Applications in Sustainable Construction

Find a member

CO₂ NFIDENT

Welcome to this special edition of Future Proof, focusing on the many sustainability benefits of mastic asphalt.

Let’s face it, when many architects, specifiers and developers think of mastic asphalt, sustainability isn’t usually the first thing that comes to mind. Which is why so many people are genuinely surprised when they discover just how green a material it actually is. And how they can be totally – as our headline suggests – carbon confident in using it.

The built environment is responsible for almost 40% of global carbon emissions, so every aspect of construction - from material specification to installation methods - much be considered in the journey towards net zero. The materials used in construction and refurbishment projects offer a crucial opportunity to implement more sustainable practices.

Waterproofing plays an important role in sustainable design by preventing water damage, extending the lifespan of buildings and enhancing energy efficiency - ultimately contributing to a more environmentally responsible and cost-effective built environment.

Mastic asphalt is well recognised for being tough, durable and long-lasting, but what is perhaps less well known is that it is one of the most sustainable and greenest building materials currently available.

With an exceptionally long lifespan, low carbon footprint and 100% recyclability, mastic asphalt is helping architects, specifiers, developers and contractors to meet environmental goals without compromising performance.

In this special edition of Future Proof produced by the Mastic Asphalt Council (MAC) - the trade association for the mastic asphalt industry - we explore how mastic asphalt contributes to sustainable building practices.

From reducing embodied carbon and enhancing energy efficiency to supporting green and blue roof systems, mastic asphalt plays a key role in the future of eco-conscious construction.

Read on to discover why this traditional material is a modern solution for sustainable waterproofing.

Path to Net Zero

The UK government aims to reduce all direct emissions from public sector buildings by 50% and 75% by 2032 and 2037 respectively, against a 2017 baseline. All UK emissions are to reach net zero by 2050.

Source - Net Zero Government Initiative: UK Roadmap, December 2023

All Natural

Unlike many waterproofing materials that rely on synthetic chemicals, mastic asphalt is primarily composed of naturally occurring materials such as limestone aggregates, bitumen and sustainable additives. It contains no plasticizers or harmful chemicals, making it far safer for the environment.

Recognising the energy use and carbon emissions associated with its production, the mastic asphalt industry collaborated to achieve a world first: in 2008, the sector collectively achieved the CarbonZero standard, and since then has contributed to projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support local communities around the globe.

UK Manufacture

Mastic asphalt is manufactured in the UK using locally sourced materials. For major projects, mastic asphalt is usually taken to site by hot charge transporters or insulated dumpers direct from the manufacturer and taken to the point where it is needed for rapid installation - a huge advantage for projects with time constraints.

Mastic asphalt can be laid very swiftly. One 18 tonne hot charge delivery vehicle can supply sufficient mastic asphalt to cover 360m2 of material to a depth of 20mm, which can be laid and finished in a matter of hours. What’s more, mastic asphalt does not require any naked flames during the installation process.

UK manufacturing brings a whole host of benefits, including reduced impact from delivery miles, lower transport costs and a reduction in lead times.

In summary, by using mastic asphalt, specifiers and contractors can significantly reduce a project’s environmental impact whilst ensuring superior waterproofing performance.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND CARBON REDUCTION

Energy efficiency is an important factor in sustainable building design. Mastic asphalt has excellent thermal mass properties, meaning it can help regulate indoor temperatures by absorbing, storing and slowly releasing heat. This reduces the need for artificial heating and cooling, lowering energy consumption and improving the overall efficiency of buildings.

Recent advancements in the production of mastic asphalt have led to the introduction of carbon-neutral versions, which balance their carbon emissions through offsetting measures such as carbon sequestration and renewable energy use. By choosing carbon-neutral mastic asphalt, specifiers can significantly reduce the embodied carbon of their projects whilst maintaining high-performance waterproofing.

Carbon Offsetting

The first step in emissions reduction is reducing them at source, through more efficient processes. Carbon offsetting can then be used to mitigate unavoidable residual emissions, rather than being a means to justify inefficiency.

The CarbonZero standard was developed by CO2balance, who offer internationally approved carbon credits to organisations looking to make that last step in achieving their emissions goals.

The credits support projects developed under the Gold Standard Foundation, and which reduce emissions while also contributing to the UN’s sustainable development goals.

It is common for individual companies to use carbon offsetting, but the Mastic Asphalt Council’s decision in 2008 to meet the CarbonZero standard as a whole represented a world first.

Real World Examples

For the past 15 years, Mastic Asphalt Council member IKO has worked with CO2balance on energy-smart projects in Africa.

Money raised through a system of self-imposed levies are used to help support a range of environmental initiatives, such as providing energy efficient cooking stoves to Kenyan communities and fresh water bore hole projects in Uganda.

Through using more energy efficient brick stoves, villages in Kenya reduce their consumption of firewood by 50%. This has multiple benefits alongside the reduced emissions from burning less firewood, including reduced deforestation and better air quality inside homes. In Uganda, rehabilitating boreholes supplies families with fresh, clean water. No longer having to boil water to make it safe reduces firewood consumption.

The latest results show that IKO offset 8,892 tonnes of CO₂ through these projects in just one year. Since 2015, IKO has offset 18,156 tonnes of CO₂

Closer to home, IKO’s CarbonZero mastic asphalt solution has also been used to renovate Tower Bridge, one of London’s most iconic landmarks which is used by thousands of people every day. MAC member Infallible Systems installed over 400 tonnes of mastic asphalt, equating to 50.11 tonnes of CO₂ offset.

A major project has also been completed at Four Squares Estate in Southwark, whereby IKO was asked by Keepmoat and Southwark Council to investigate issues relating to the existing access walkways. It was agreed that mastic asphalt would be used for the refurbishment, along with screed repairs and new expansion joints. During the works some 1,400 tonnes of mastic asphalt was applied and in terms of impact, this is the equivalent of 218.4 tonnes of CO₂ offset.

SUSTAINABILITY IN ACTION THE HARRIS

Mastic asphalt was used for the sympathetic restoration of a 130-year-old Grade I listed building in Lancashire to ensure its preservation for future generations.

This is a fantastic example of sustainability in action as a total of 55 tonnes of mastic asphalt was stripped up and 55 tonnes of asphalt was put back.

The Harris is a Museum, Art Gallery and Library in the heart of Preston. A cherished cultural institution, the roof refurbishment was carried out as part of the £16 million ‘Harris Your Place’ project which is designed to restore and reimagine the Harris for 21st-century audiences as a cultural learning space. It is one of the most ambitious cultural projects in the North of England with the aim of securing the future of the Harris and relevance for the next 100 years.

The project will protect the building and architecture whilst enhancing accessibility options and positioning

the Harris as a community hub for Preston and Lancashire, aiming to attract an additional 100,000 visitors per year, to a total of 460,000.

The main contractor for the project was Conlon Construction and the roof refurbishment was carried out by Mastic Asphalt Council (MAC) contractor member NRA Roofing and Flooring Services.

The Harris owes its name to Edmund Harris, a Preston lawyer who left £300,000 in his will to establish a trust and support a public Library, Museum and Art Gallery. The building was designed by local architect James Hibbert who chose a Neo-Classical style and it officially opened in 1893.

The Harris was granted £4.5m from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for the once-in-a-generation remodelling and refurbishment project, from the roof to the basement and everywhere in between. Renovation work was carried out over a three-year period and as part of this, over 100,000 collection objects were removed from the building and placed into safe storage.

Mastic asphalt was chosen for the roof refurbishment at the Harris, as like many heritage buildings, it was originally protected with asphalt. NRA Roofing and Flooring Services stripped the roof back to its original concrete deck and re-roofed the structure with a system comprising two coats of mastic asphalt backed with a 20 year warranty. Totalling an area comprising 950m², two coats of solar reflective white paint were applied to the top surface to provide additional UV protection.

There were some highly challenging logistical issues to overcome during the roof refurbishment which was carried out over an 18-week period. With no crane, all the stripped up and new mastic asphalt was lifted via hoist. NRA Roofing and Flooring Services also had to deal with some tricky detail work due to mechanical and engineering plant on the roof.

Craig Chaplin, Director of NRA Roofing and Flooring Services said: “This was an extremely challenging project logistically, but the finished result looks fantastic. Mastic asphalt was ideal as it is so hard-wearing and enabled other trades such as scaffolding to work at the same time as we were re-roofing the building. We’re proud to have played a key part in this historic project.”

A green roof installed at Keble College - one of the largest colleges at the University of Oxford with over 800 students - was considered so impressive that it was named Heritage Project of the Year at the Mastic Asphalt Council Awards in 2024. The college dates back to 1870 and mastic asphalt has been widely used for protection of various roof areas over the years due to its sustainable properties and suitability for heritage buildings.

This latest project related to a high quality 350m₂ installation of IKO’s Permaphalt system on the college’s student bar roof. As mastic asphalt had previously been used, the college wanted to maintain the aesthetic consistency, however the asphalt finish needed to be painted with white solar paint, which would reflect onto the higher-level windows surrounding the single-storey building. To address this issue and enhance the environmental credibility of the project, a green roof was proposed and ultimately chosen by the college.

MAC members Oxford Asphalt Company and IKO collaborated on the installation, utilising the IKO Permaphalt system to create a durable, watertight, aesthetically pleasing roof. A 20mm thick layer of IKO Permaphalt was applied in two 10mm coats on IKO black sheathing felt separating membrane, ensuring a seamless and impermeable waterproofing barrier.

SUSTAINABILITY IN ACTION KEBLE COLLEGE

The final coat was rubbed with clean coarse sand for a refined finish, enhancing the roof’s appearance.

On insulated sloping timber surfaces over 5 degrees, a 20mm thick layer of IKO Permaphalt was laid in three coats onto expanded metal lathing over IKO black sheathing felt fixed to the slopes. This application not only provided robust waterproofing, but also improved the building’s thermal efficiency by reducing heat loss through the insulated roof.

To ensure complete protection, even at vulnerable points, a two-coat solid IKO Permaphalt angle fillet was formed at junctions to flat and upstand areas. This attention to detail guarantees the long-term performance and integrity of the waterproofing system, safeguarding the building from water damage.

This project presented several challenges that required expertise and innovative solutions. Firstly, some roof

areas had slopes that necessitated input from IKO regarding mechanical fixings. Pull-out tests were conducted on the fixings to ensure their stability and effectiveness. Due to the building’s listed status, the low parapet could not be altered. This limitation meant that the detail had to remain the same and only 50mm of insulation was able to be installed.

The Oxford Asphalt Company’s commitment to health and safety was evident throughout. A segregated route to the roof was established to keep students clear of the work area. A shallow ramp was created for safe access to the roof for asphalt delivery.

Despite the challenges faced, the Oxford Asphalt Company, in collaboration with IKO, delivered an outstanding project with sustainability at its core.

MOD Project Wins Award in Recognition of

Photo by Robert Edwards, via

The Future of Mastic Asphalt in a Greener, Safer World

Achieving Net Zero

With an aim of reducing all direct emissions from public sector buildings by 50% and 75% by 2032 and 2037 respectively, the UK Net Zero Strategy encourages the adoption of circular materials and carbon-neutral solutions.

Governments worldwide are implementing stricter requirements for material sourcing and carbon emissions, making sustainable waterproofing materials such as mastic asphalt even more valuable.

The mastic asphalt sector has an important role to play in the pathway to net zero construction, and great strides forward are being made by increasing the use of recycled aggregates, improving energy efficiency in production processes and expanding initiatives such as carbon offsetting schemes.

Mastic asphalt is set to remain a key player in eco-friendly waterproofing for years to come.

Fire Safety & Flame-Free Application

Fire safety is a major consideration and mastic asphalt meets all relevant fire standards. By utilising flame-free roofing systems, fire risk from naked flame is eliminated and buildings can remain open and fully operational during roof refurbishment work if required. This is particularly important for work carried out in schools, hospitals and health facilities, as there is minimal disruption. As mastic asphalt is laid in molten form, it can be confused with other types of waterproofing membrane that require naked flame or torch on application. In reality, there is no naked flame at the point of installation.

The high mineral content of mastic asphalt also means that it fulfils all the external fire resistance required for a roof covering and achieves the highest rating (AA) when tested in accordance with BS476 part 3:1975. In addition, mastic asphalt flat roof waterproofing systems from the leading UK manufacturers achieve Fire Classification Broof(t4) in accordance with EN13501-5.

The push for more sustainable building materials is reinforced by regulatory bodies and green building certifications. These include BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) standards which recognise the importance of durable, low carbon materials in sustainable construction. Contact us on 01273 242778 or email

Applications in Sustainable Construction

When choosing sustainable roofing materials, there are multiple considerations to take into account. Structural integrity, thermal efficiency and the impact on the broader environment to name a few.

As cities expand and climate change intensifies, urban areas face challenges such as increased heat retention and flooding due to poor drainage. Green roofs and blue roofs present effective solutions to help address these issues, and mastic asphalt plays a key role in their success.

Green Roofs & Blue Roofs

Both green roofs and blue roofs are designed to enhance urban sustainability whilst making better use of the valuable and useable space in city centre locations.

Mastic asphalt provides a durable, watertight base for green roof systems, allowing for the creation of vegetated surfaces that improve biodiversity, enhance air quality and provide natural insulation. These roofs help reduce the urban heat island effect by cooling surrounding areas and lowering energy demand for air conditioning.

Blue roofs are designed to collect rainwater as it falls, and then release this same rainwater slowly and steadily over a 24-hour period. They present an effective stormwater management solution in areas where flooding and excess water are an issue. Mastic asphalt’s seamless, waterproof finish makes it ideal for use in blue roof systems, helping to prevent flooding and reduce the burden on urban drainage networks.

Zero Waste

Mastic asphalt installation is a nearly zero waste process. Unlike roll-on waterproofing membranes that generate significant offcuts and excess materials, mastic asphalt is applied in a molten state and used precisely as needed.

Any leftover material can be reheated and reused, eliminating unnecessary waste and reducing environmental impact.

Comparison With Alternative Waterproofing Systems

When compared with alternative waterproofing systems, mastic asphalt can offer the lowest life cycle costs over a 60 year period, when the typical refurbishment and replacement requirements for each system are taken into consideration.

It is the longevity and durability of mastic asphalt that makes it the best value solution. Though alternative waterproofing membranes may appear much better value initially, many of them have life expectancies of around 15-20 years which is only a third of the typical life expectancy of mastic asphalt.

Another consideration is that while some modern waterproofing products may provide impressive results in

laboratory tests, they may perhaps not perform so well when installed and exposed to the rigours of UK construction methods and wet weather conditions. For the roof the size of a football pitch, mastic asphalt could cost £40,000 less than other waterproofing products over the lifetime of the installation.

Compared to synthetic membranes, mastic asphalt stands out for lower embodied carbon due to efficient production and recyclability. And as there is no plastic content, this reduces the reliance on fossil fuel-derived materials. Lastly, mastic asphalt requires far less maintenance, leading to fewer repairs and lower material consumption over time.

F o r a l l t h e l a t e s t n e w s a n d v i e w s c h e c k o u t l a b m o n l i n e . c o . u k

L O C A L A U T H O R I T Y B U I L D I N G& M A I N T E N A N C E

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c o m m e n t a t o r s a c r o s s t h e s u p p l y c h a i n , f e a t u r e i n - d e p t h p r o j e c t c a s e s t u d i e s a n d i n o u r

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