Dulux Trade Introduces 99.9% VOC free Paints range for Healthier Indoor Environments

Building Products Index Ltd Paint Leave a Comment

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Dulux Trade has announced the launch of its latest range of low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paints, aimed at promoting healthier indoor air quality. The new formulations for Dulux Trade Diamond Matt, Vinyl Matt, and Super Matt are now 99.9% VOC-free, setting a new standard in the industry.

Dulux Trade Diamond Matt is celebrated for its durability and superior finish. This water-based paint can withstand up to 10,000 scrubs, ensuring long-lasting beauty for walls. Its low VOC content significantly reduces the emission of harmful chemicals, contributing to a healthier living environment.

Dulux Trade Vinyl Matt offers excellent opacity and coverage, ensuring a uniform finish. The reformulated paint is also 99.9% VOC-free, making it a safer choice for both residential and commercial spaces. It meets stringent sustainability standards such as BREEAM and LEED, which are crucial for green building certifications.

Dulux Trade Super Matt is designed for new plaster and surfaces prone to imperfections. Like the other two products, it is also 99.9% VOC-free. This paint is ideal for creating a smooth, even finish while maintaining a low environmental impact.

The benefits of using low VOC paints are numerous, including improved indoor air quality, healthier living spaces, reduced environmental impact, and compliance with various environmental standards and certifications.

Dulux Trade’s commitment to sustainability and innovation ensures that customers can achieve a beautiful finish without compromising on air quality or environmental impact.

For more information, visit the Dulux Trade website: https://www.duluxtradepaintexpert.co.uk/en

MARLEY ACHIEVES BBA CERTIFICATION FOR ITS SOLARTILE® RANGE

Building Products Index Ltd Roofing, Tiles Leave a Comment

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Leading roof systems manufacturer, Marley has been awarded with a British Board of Agrément (BBA) certification for its innovative SolarTile® 410W range, which includes flashing kits and integrated solar panels. This certification uniquely confirms that Marley SolarTile® meets stringent standards for electricity generation from sunlight on pitched roofs between 20° and 60° on both domestic and non-domestic buildings.

The BBA certification validates the performance, safety and sustainability of Marley’s SolarTile®, confirming its full compliance with building regulations, technical specifications and design considerations. It also reflects the outcome of rigorous assessment in areas such as mechanical resistance, fire safety, hygiene, environmental impact, energy efficiency, and durability.

Assessment criteria

In response to a significant uplift in the use of solar PV, the NHBC announced more stringent requirements in the 2024 Technical Standards update. As roof integrated solar systems are classified as products that perform critical fire-resistance and weatherproofing functions. The new standards now include the requirement to demonstrate an acceptable level of durability, and that the life expectancy should be confirmed by an independent technical approvals authority.

This BBA certification included an assessment of the durability of the complete solar system and confirms the lifetime of the product is equivalent to the roof structure with which it is applied.

Key areas evaluated included:

  • Mechanical resistance and stability: Ensuring the system can withstand wind loads, physical impacts and other stresses.
  • Safety in case of fire: Verifying the system’s fire resistance, to protect building occupants.
  • Hygiene, health and environmental safety: Ensuring the range has no harmful impact on building occupants or the environment.
  • Energy economy and heat retention: Demonstrating the system’s ability to generate energy efficiently and contribute to heat retention.
  • Durability: Assessing the system’s long-term performance and lifespan.

In addition to product evaluation, the BBA’s review also included an assessment of Marley’s manufacturing processes, delivery, handling, storage, and maintenance protocols. The company’s commitment to regular production assessments and formal 3-yearly reviews ensures quality controls remain consistent throughout the system’s lifecycle.

Future-ready roofing
The BBA certification provides housebuilders and specifiers with confidence in the performance and reliability of Marley’s SolarTile® system solution for pitched roofing applications. Whether for new builds or roof refurbishments, this solar energy solution is designed to integrate seamlessly within the roof, offering a sleek, unobtrusive aesthetic whilst generating electricity from sunlight.

Marley’s SolarTile® brings together cutting-edge solar technology with a traditional roof aesthetic, whilst a system that is fully compliant with current building regulations.

Daniel Redfern, Head of Marketing Communications at Marley, commented: “Achieving BBA certification for our SolarTile® 410W system further reinforces our commitment to delivering high-performance, durable roofing solutions. The certification assures customers that Marley’s SolarTile® 410 panels and associated fixings and flashings, meets stringent standards for safety, durability and efficiency, providing a reliable choice for those seeking to incorporate solar energy into their building projects.”

For more information, visit Marley’s website.

Farewell to a Pioneer: Roger Critchley Retires from Addagrip

Building Products Index Ltd Resin Bound Surfacing Leave a Comment

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The resin industry bids farewell to one of its most influential figures as Roger Critchley, Managing Director of Addagrip, retires. Roger has been at the forefront of innovation and excellence, not only driving the success of Addagrip but also setting industry benchmarks.

A highlight of Roger’s illustrious career includes collaborating with the British Board of Agrément to establish the BBA certification for resin systems—a testament to his commitment to quality and industry advancement. Additionally, Roger spearheaded the development of the Addagrip 1000 System, a revolutionary concrete repair solution that has transformed the maintenance of airfield pavements and concrete roads worldwide.

His leadership has seen Addagrip through countless achievements, including prestigious projects at Constitution Hill and Kew Gardens. Roger’s departure marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to inspire the resin industry for years to come.”

Thermally broken steel windows and doors manufactured by Clement

Building Products Index Ltd Doors, Steel, Steel doors, Windows Leave a Comment

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Clement Windows Group has manufactured new, thermally broken steel windows and steel doors for an office building in Central London.

The existing commercial premises at 22-23 Little Portland Street comprised ground, basement and four upper floors.  Robson Warren Architects were briefed to design a scheme to improve the office facilities and services to enable the building to attract further tenants.

It was important that any proposals took account of the environmental sustainability of the works and their impact on the property which is located in the East Marylebone Conservation Area.

Clement manufactured bespoke steel windows and doors from the Jansen Janisol Arte 2 and Jansen Janisol HI ranges.  The new windows and doors comprised thermally broken steel windows, thermally broken French doors and thermally broken, triple glazed lift and slide doors.

Peter Warren of Robson Warren Architects commented:

“The installation was completed to our satisfaction without any significant issues, and we would not hesitate to return to Clement Windows for enquiries about future steel-framed window projects.”

Clement manufactures slender Jansen steel profile window and doors which meet the highest requirements of thermal insulation, security and fire protection, as well as mechanical strength and longevity.  Suitable for restoration work as well as new build projects, the slim frames can be fitted into all opening types.  Steel doors manufactured from Jansen cold formed steel profiles are very resilient and therefore suitable for areas of high footfall.

Tel: 01428 643393   Email: info@clementwg.co.uk         Web: clementwindows.co.uk

A level playing field for embodied carbon calculations

Building Products Index Ltd Blocks, Concrete Leave a Comment

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The first step to being able to accurately compare the embodied carbon of different building products is to have a level playing field for carbon reporting.

Calculating carbon is complicated. Working out the embodied carbon of a building product is more complex than simply taking one figure from a report. However, the first step to accurately comparing the embodied carbon of different building products is to have a level playing field for carbon reporting.

Embodied carbon guidelines

To determine the carbon embodied in a particular product, the construction industry relies on established guidelines and technical guidance in the form of product category rules (PCRs), and environmental product declarations (EPDs).

PCRs provide the category-specific guidance for estimating and reporting product lifecycle environmental impacts. EPDs disclose the life cycle environmental performance of products using pre-determined parameters.

The quality of the information in the EPD must be verified by a third party before it can be registered and published.

A major challenge for specifiers is that the data found in EPDs can vary significantly.

Inconsistencies in calculation

Comparing EPDs for different products can be complicated as there are elements that may not be consistent from one EPD to another. For example, different methodological approaches may be taken; generic rather than product-specific data may be used, and non-required fields – such as A4 Transport – may be included in some EPDs and not others.

Inconsistencies in information contained in an EPD can have a major impact in terms of product specification. This is particularly true when comparing biogenic products such as timber with products manufactured using other materials, and critically, it will impact the figure for carbon embodied in a building.

This is highlighted in a report published by engineering consultancy LBP SIGHT, which analysed 48 EPDs for wood products[i]. The report Carbon Accounting for Building Materials – An assessment of the Global Warming Potential of biobased construction products, states: “The assessment of PCR and EPDs of wood-based products shows that inconsistencies both at the system level of PCR and the implementation in EPDs exist. Ultimately, this results in skewed declared values for CO2e emissions at the product level, and therefore in comparison with alternative products”.

RICS standardisation of LCAs

The RICS Whole life carbon assessment (WLCA) for the built environment, section 4.7, explains the types of carbon data that should be used in a WLCA[ii]. It recommends the Built Environment Carbon Database as the first point of reference to identify carbon data for construction materials and products. According to RICS, EPDs using EN 15804 and ISO 21930:2017 are preferred.

EN 15804 requires all product EPDs that contain biogenic carbon to be modelled on their full life cycle. The RICS WLCA does allow for Cradle-to-Gate EPDs, but only if biogenic carbon is totally excluded.

It is worth noting that the older version of EN 15804, which dates to 2013, used to allow Cradle-to-Gate for biomass materials. This has allowed some timber products to report carbon credits instead of impacts, which can be misleading where legacy EPDs are referenced.

An EPD produced in accordance with EN 15804 must also comply with the requirements of ISO 14044, the International Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) standard, and ISO 14025, the international standard covering EPDs for construction products.

The standard EN 15804 defines a series of modules covering carbon emissions over a product’s various lifecycle stages:

  • A1-A3 production stage
  • A4-A5 construction stage
  • B1-B5 use stage
  • B6-B7 operational carbon stage
  • C1-C4 end-of-life stage.

At H+H, we have ensured that our product EPDs cover each of these sections to transparently report the full lifecycle, Cradle-to-Grave, of our products. We believe that product manufacturers have a responsibility to report as accurately as possible the environmental impact of their products across their full lifecycle. However, there is still work to be done by regulatory authorities to ensure a level playing field for all embodied carbon reporting in the construction sector.

The continued variation between EPDs only emphasises the importance of standardised methodologies and high-quality data in EPDs to ensure meaningful and accurate comparisons.

[i] LBP Sight. Carbon Accounting for Building Materials: An assessment of Global Warming Potential of biobased construction products. 2022. https://www.ca4bm.eu/CA4BM_Final_Report.pdf

[ii] RICS. Whole life carbon assessment (WLCA) for the built environment. https://www.rics.org/profession-standards/rics-standards-and-guidance/sector-standards/construction-standards/whole-life-carbon-assessment.html)

CLOSING THE LOOP: EUROCELL AND BIFFA SUCCESSFULLY TRIAL NEW PVC-U WASTE MANAGEMENT SCHEME FOR THE TRADE

Building Products Index Ltd Doors, PVC-U, PVC-U, Windows Leave a Comment

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The Environmental Challenge: PVC-U Waste and Its Impact

PVC-U based products, like windows and doors, often end up in landfills when they aren’t recycled, contributing to environmental damage, increasing carbon emissions, and wasting raw materials.

As a leader in PVC-U recycling, Eurocell recognised the need to offer its trade customers a comprehensive recycling solution that would not only reduce waste but also enhance their own sustainability efforts.

With a long-standing commitment to sustainable practices, Eurocell aims to create a closed-loop recycling process that collects used PVC-U directly from customers, recycling it into new products for the construction and fenestration industries.

To achieve this, Eurocell sought a partner with extensive waste management experience and the infrastructure to provide a reliable, scalable solution. There was no better choice than Biffa, which offered the expertise and logistical support to implement a PVC-U collection service tailored for Eurocell’s trade customers, including fabricators and installers.

Strategic Partnerships: Leveraging Biffa’s Expertise

In February 2023, Eurocell and Biffa launched a trial of a domestic PVC-U collection service within a 30-mile radius of NE28 – this covers a large part of the North East.

An innovative model was introduced, where Eurocell worked with smaller traders and collections could be booked alongside new product orders. Collected PVC-U was then consolidated at hubs and transferred to Eurocell’s recycling facility, ensuring that materials were repurposed into new products through a closed-loop process.

Samantha Wood, Corporate Account Manager at Biffa said:

“We’re proud to deliver comprehensive waste management solutions that support our partners in achieving their sustainability goals. Our collaboration with Eurocell is a prime example of how we can support a closed-loop recycling system that keeps valuable materials out of landfills and contributes to a greener future.”

Trial Success: Tangible Impacts on Recycling Efforts

Since the trial began, the Eurocell and Biffa partnership has achieved significant milestones:

  • 195 collections were completed, with zero failed collections—a 100% success rate.
  • A total of 2,568 PVC-U frames were collected and recycled, which would have otherwise ended up in landfill. This equates to over 25 tonnes of PVC-U.
  • Eurocell has enhanced its feeder stock with recycled PVC-U, reinforcing its position as a market leader in sustainable recycling for the construction and fenestration industries.
  • The closed-loop recycling process is actively reducing carbon emissions and supporting a circular economy by reclaiming valuable raw materials that would otherwise end up in landfill.

Sandra Gaspar, Head of Recycling, at Eurocell said:

“Our partnership with Biffa has had a tremendous impact on our sustainability efforts, allowing us to recycle over 2,500 PVC-U frames, keeping our precious plastic feedstock out of landfill. This collaboration perfectly aligns with our commitment to a closed-loop recycling process, reducing waste and supporting a more sustainable future for both our customers and the environment.”

Future Expansion: Scaling Sustainability Solutions

The trial has been so successful that Eurocell and Biffa plan to expand the PVC-U collection service further by January 2025, extending the reach to more customers and locations. This expansion will provide even more trade customers with a sustainable, easy-to-use waste management solution.

Whether you need to discuss your recycling goals or arrange a collection for your PVC-U waste, we’re here to help so contact us, email: recycle@eurocell-recycle.co.uk, phone: 0333 777 3042.

The Platform Lift Company Launches Exclusive Online Parts Portal

Building Products Index Ltd Lift, Platform Leave a Comment

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The Platform Lift Company is proud to announce the launch of its groundbreaking online parts portal, a first-of- its-kind innovation in the platform lift industry. Designed as a comprehensive hub for premium spare parts and accessories, the portal promises to transform the way engineers and trade professionals access and manage their platform lift components.

With an extensive inventory of over 400 products, the platform offers an unrivalled selection from leading brands, including Aritco, Cama, LiftUp, Motala, and Vimec. This collection ensures the perfect match for any platform lift, empowering users to achieve optimal performance and longevity.

Key Features and Benefits:

  • A Centralised Solution: Access a vast range of spare parts and accessories all in one place.
  • Seamless E-Commerce Experience: Purchase products easily through our user-friendly online store.
  • Swift Delivery: Fast turnaround times ensure minimal downtime for your platform lift.
  • Trade Account Perks: Enjoy effortless credit applications, exclusive discounts, and dedicated support.
  • Comprehensive Technical Resources: Unlock access to detailed schematics, blueprints, and video guides for added convenience.
  • Customisable Parts List: Save frequently used items for quicker reordering and personalised efficiency.
  • Expert Assistance: Our team is available to answer enquiries, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience.

In addition to a wide selection of top-quality brands, Platform Lift Company offers a range of resources to support customers, including schematics, blueprints, detailed instructions, and informative video guides. These video guides include step-by-step instructions on how to fix common faults and perform maintenance tasks, providing invaluable assistance to engineers.

Trade customers will especially benefit from special discounts, easy credit facilities, and exclusive technical insights, making this a one-stop solution for all their spare parts needs. The Platform Lift Company’s online parts store is now live and ready to serve. Experience the convenience, reliability, and innovation that define the future of the platform lift industry.

“We are thrilled to introduce our new spare parts website to the industry,” said Rachel Baker, Marketing Manager at the Platform Lift Company. “With over 20 years of experience in platform lift innovation, we understand the challenges engineers face when sourcing parts. Our goal is to provide a one-stop solution that simplifies the process and ensures consistent, reliable deliveries, while also offering a wide range of resources, including schematics, blueprints, instructions and informative video guides, to support our customers at every step.”

FIREFLY® FB180 Batt System Features in Glasgow Central Station Redevelopment

Building Products Index Ltd Fire Protection Leave a Comment

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The first phase of a £5million investment by Network Rail in Scotland’s busiest station, has completed with the opening of Avanti West Coast’s new first-class lounge and ticket office. The first phase of the project involved the historic Caledonian Chambers area of the station which is on the east side of the concourse. Caledonian Chambers is a Category B Listed Building designed by Glaswegian architect, James Miller, and was completed in 1903. It was built for the Caledonian Railway Company.

Modifications and improvements were led by Network Rail and included the upgrading of the fire protection for the historic main structure, which required the creation of bespoke as well as standard encasement details for large steel beams by sector specialist, FIREFLY®. Originally opened in 1879, the first phase of this multi-million-pound property project included the creation of Avanti West Coast’s new ticket office and first-class lounge and a brand-new step-free Network Rail station reception on the concourse level. The wider project will see existing tenants relocate, new retail units created, and office accommodation refurbished.  Such has been the extent of past adaptations that when the project began last November, the design team was unclear as to the nature of the roof deck’s construction, until demolition of a fast-food restaurant revealed the I-beams up to 900mm deep.

Details originally developed by FIREFLY® parent company in Australia have been adapted to the requirements of the Building Standards (Scotland) and the Building Regulations, enabling the easy to cut and shape non-combustible FB180 batts to infill the web to different sized steel beams. The addition of fireproof mastic and additional layers and the special Ablative Coating complete an encasement which is able to offer 60 minutes or longer integrity and insulation.  The installation work within the station, which has remained operational throughout, has been carried out by Glasgow based QualiFire Passive Fire Protection, with SIG being the merchant stockist supplying all the FIREFLY® materials.

Active across Scotland and the North of England, QualiFire was set up by Joe Stewart in 2019 as a specialist in passive fire protection solutions for clients in the education, healthcare and local authority as well as other sectors, but has been using FIREFLY® products for the first time on the Glasgow project.

Joe commented: “The lounge and surrounding area is currently being fitted out, while our team continues to work elsewhere within the station. The FIREFLY® system was recommended by the project architects – IDP – and the client, as they had previously been unable to find a manufacturer offering a solution which could be guaranteed to protect beams, which could be a 100years old, in this sort of situation. Initially the fire curtains were considered but then it was decided to use FIREFLY® FB180 batts. I have had very good feedback from our installers, regarding the ease of cutting and fitting them, with very little waste generated compared to other similar products. We have used both the FIREFLY® intumescent mastic and the Ablative Coating across the entire surface. Overall, it was very flexible and effective, and we have had lots of positive comments about the work, not just from the client and consultants, but also the merchant, SIG whose manager has taken an interest.  We work on big public contracts like this as far down as London if required and I can see a big potential for the system.”   

FIREFLY® Technical Sales Manager for Scotland and Ireland, Daniel Gordon, explained: “There has been enormous focus on improving the fire performance of both private residential and public buildings in the past few years, both here in Scotland and across the rest of the UK – with specifiers urgently wanting to ensure compliance for the projects they are involved with. One result of this we have seen is the widespread use being made of our FB180 batt system as a much more dependable alternative to spraying structural steel beams with intumescent coatings: the thickness and quality of which is far more difficult to ascertain.”

Back at the outset of the project, the scheme project manager at Network Rail, Conor Mclaughlin, reported: “We are excited to be making this multi-million-pound investment to benefit passengers at Glasgow Central. We are changing the layout and occupation of several existing retail units on the station concourse which involves relocating tenants, creating new retail units, making some units larger and refurbishing office accommodation and we hope to create a broader range of retail for passengers and station users, thereby improving the experience at the station.”

Addressing the Key BSA Concerns of 78% of Architects | New Lunch and Learn

Building Products Index Ltd Facade Leave a Comment

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According to a recent RIBA survey, 78% of architects have expressed significant concern about the implications of the Building Safety Act, particularly regarding compliance and the need for ongoing professional development to ensure fire safety in their designs.

Join EQUITONE for an insightful Lunch and Learn that delves deeper into fire-safe facades and their relation to the Building Safety Act (BSA).

This session is designed to help you navigate critical aspects of fire safety in building design, from understanding regulations to enhancing safety standards.

Click here to request your Lunch and Learn

(Available to UK practises only)

 Learning Objectives

During EQUITONE’s Lunch and Learn, you will discover:

  • Why we need to act
  • Overview of building regulations
  • Fire classification explained
  • The importance of the Golden Thread
  • Standards and guidance for conformity

Roundtable insights on the BSA

The Building Safety Act has had a huge impact for the construction industry, imposing stringent new requirements for higher-risk buildings. Building Magazine, in partnership with EQUITONE explored this with a roundtable of professionals from architecture, engineering, construction and client sectors earlier this year.

This thought leadership event posed some fascinating questions and insights. Click here to view EQUITONE’s latest article on the BSA and the Roundtable summary (In the further reading section).

Bollard Socket Systems From Glasdon

Building Products Index Ltd bollards Leave a Comment

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Glasdon UK Limited are manufacturers of quality and cost-effective road traffic bollards, made from rigid Durapol® material or self-righting Impactapol® material. With bollards commonly being used to mark hazards, collisions and accidents will often cause them to become damaged, requiring replacement. If the damaged bollard is installed as a permanent fixture, it could prove difficult, expensive, and dangerous to replace. That’s where socket systems come inOffered as a specialised fixing option for their bollards, Glasdon’s socket systems are designed to make it quicker and easier to install and remove bollard posts. Built into the ground, Glasdon’s socket systems allow bollards to be inserted and withdrawn at will, with the full process taking only seconds.

The benefits are numerous – not only will personnel spend less time performing maintenance on or near roadways, but socket systems remove the need for any expensive and disruptive groundwork beyond an initial installation. Instead, Glasdon’s socket systems can outlast multiple different bollards and continue to accept replacements throughout their life span.

Additionally, should an abnormally wide load require extra road space, or if vehicles need access to an area for a special event, socket systems provide the extra flexibility required. Simply remove and re-insert the bollard posts as needed, inserting a socket blanking plate into the system to nullify any trip hazards caused by the opening.

Glasdon’s Standard Socket System has been designed in detail and tested to stringent standards by our QA engineers to ensure durability and value for money. Compatible with rigid Durapol® bollards, posts can simply be slotted into the aperture for strong and unmoving placement.

Alternatively, Glasdon’s newest and most advanced Lockfast™ Socket System is made of Durapol® material and features a twist lock for added durability. Compatible with both rigid Durapol® bollards and self-righting Impactapol® bollards, the Lockfast™ model allows bollards to be oriented in two directions, and provides directional arrows, visual logo aids, and a square profile to make installation smoother and more streamlined.

For safer, cost-effective, and time-saving bollard maintenance, choose Glasdon socket systems. A full guide on the features, benefits, and uses of socket systems can be found in Glasdon’s eBook on the topic.