BFM Feb 2026 copy

10 REASONS TO PLAY MUSIC

IN YOUR BUSINESS

Like most businesses, you want yours to be the best it can be. Whether this is the through the products and services you provide, the prices you offer or the locations in which you are based.

So, why not provide the best experience? You could:

Enhance the environment, set the tone, boost the mood and create a more upbeat atmosphere

Boost customer engagement by using music to create an entertaining environment

Stand out from your competitors

06 07 08

Foster customer loyalty and retention through improving their shopping experience

Attract new customers

Boost employee engagement, collaboration and motivation

Set the spending mood by creating an upbeat and positive atmosphere

Create a feel-good factor through the use of music

Support the future of music

Define and reinforce your brand

Team

Business Development Director James Scrivens james@abbeypublishing.co.uk

Production Sarah Daviner sarah@abbeypublishing.co.uk

Accounts Manager Katie Brehm accounts@abbeypublishing.co.uk

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Tel: 01933 316931

Email: bfm@abbeypublishing.co.uk www.bfmmagazine.co.uk www.abbeypublishing.co.uk

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On the cover: Contents

A staple component in homes since 1966!

MDF is a staple component in most homes; the panel product has been around since 1966 when West Fraser’s CaberMDF was introduced to the building market. It can be sawn, drilled, shaped, and routed cleanly with minimum fuss, using hand or machine tools and looks good as the smooth surface of the panels is ideal for painting, veneers, or paper foils.

CaberMDF plays hide and seek around the home; it can be an architectural feature, fascia, shelf, fitted unit, wardrobe or kitchen and bathroom doors, drawers and carcasses.

West Fraser’s comprehensive five-strong CaberMDF range has been designed to give the specifier options depending on the application. For general use, CaberMDF Trade is a

versatile, lightweight board, which is ideal where weight is a factor. CaberMDF Trade MR offers the same benefits but with the added advantage of moisture resistance for wet or humid environments.

Where there is a need for premium quality and detailed working, CaberMDF Pro provides incredibly consistent density, ensuring cutting and routing need minimal finishing. CaberMDF Pro MR offers the further benefit of moisture resistance.

The ultimate product in the range is CaberMDF Industrial which is moisture resistant and designed specifically for the production of highgrade furniture and fittings. It is ideal for deep routing, and its consistent close-grained

texture ensures clean edges and surfaces that will take advanced finishing techniques.

The materials and processes used to manufacture the product offer the reassurance of being sustainable. West Fraser’s range of board products is available in a wide selection of sizes to minimise waste. All timber used is responsibly sourced and FSC-certified and the net carbon negative panels are manufactured in the UK from locally grown timber.

Samples of all West Fraser construction panels can be ordered on the website Uk.westfraser.com.

For further information, call 01786 812 921 or visit Uk.westfraser.com

OUTCO is one of the UK’s trusted partners for grounds maintenance, along with winter gritting and reactive works. We deliver dependable grounds care that supports day-to-day operations, backed by teams who understand the practical needs of your sites. Our solutions are tailored to the specific requirements of each location, ensuring a smooth, efficient and hassle-free experience for every client.

0800 0432 911 enquiries@outco.co.uk

Kärcher UK launches the next generation of its dry vacuums: the T-Range

Kärcher UK is delighted to announce the launch of its new T-Range dry vacuum range, comprising four models available in both corded and battery-powered versions, with hopper capacities of up to 15 litres. Designed for discreet daytime cleaning and reliable, powerful performance, the T-Range is the perfect cleaning solution for hospitality, facilities management and busy office settings.

The new range comes with an all-new modular design for the T 10/1 and T 15/1 models. The T-Range is slim and ergonomic, making it compact and easy to store, ideal for those tighter storage spaces. Moreover, users are saved any additional physical stress and fatigue as the design makes transport simpler and more comfortable. The dry vacuums also function easily and effectively thanks to the sophisticated and straightforward nature of the machines.

Furthermore, the new portfolio of dry vacuums provides maximum flexibility. The new ergonomic design comes with both corded and battery powered variants ensuring that the machines can fully adapt to any cleaning challenge. The heads and containers of the new models showcase complete adjustability as they can be quickly and easily changed depending on the scenario the user finds themselves in.

The T-Range continues to showcase Kärcher’s commitment to innovation through the introduction of the manual cable reel. The cable reel for the T 10/1 HEPA is capable of being rolled up in seconds which means that efficiency is increased and time management is

far more attainable, leading to better productivity.

The new T-Range is particularly effective in situations where low noise pollution is paramount. The corded T 10/1 HEPA model operates at an impressively quiet noise level at only 52 dB(A) thanks to a particularly efficient motor and the special encapsulation and fastening. When cleaning in any environments that are noise sensitive, such as offices or public buildings, the new T-Range vacuums are the ideal machines to ensure ongoing operations remain undisturbed.

Kärcher continues to make a difference with the T-Range through the range’s strong sustainability credentials. Our latest sustainable line features recycled plastic throughout: 45% across the T 10/1 and T 15/1 models and a benchmark of 60% for the T 11/1 Re!Plast. This reinforces the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainability. The use of recycled materials reduces the energy required for production, conserving valuable raw materials and saving up to 2.0 kilograms of plastic per

machine. The recycled plastic is sourced from production waste, helping to protect natural resources while remaining uncompromising on quality.

Vivienne Speckmaier, Product Manager at Kärcher UK commented: “With the launch of the new T Range, we’ve truly listened to what our customers need from professional vacuuming today. It’s no longer just about suction power - it’s about durability, time-saving performance, ergonomics and noise reduction. The T-Range has been developed as a flexible system that adapts to different environments, enabling faster cleaning cycles and reducing downtime. More than just a vacuum cleaner, it’s a robust productivity tool designed to be as sustainable as it is effective. We’re confident there is a solution within the range for every cleaning challenge, and we welcome feedback as we continue to support our customers’ operations.”

The T-Range is available for purchase or rental through Kärcher Hire, visit www.kaercher. com/uk or www.karcherhire. co.uk for more details.

Rapid Energy Secures Investment from Baird Capital to Support Growth and Strengthen Service Capability

The investment supports fleet expansion, enhanced engineering capability, and continued growth.

Rapid Energy, a specialist provider of rapid-response and mission-critical temperaturecontrol hire solutions, today announced a strategic investment from Baird Capital, the global private equity arm of Baird. The investment supports the expansion of Rapid Energy’s fleet, enhances engineering capability, and strengthens growth across industrial and critical-infrastructure markets.

The partnership supports Rapid Energy’s plans to increase capacity, invest in technology and innovation, and further develop solutions for customers operating in environments where operational continuity is essential.

Julien Fougere, CEO of Rapid Energy, said:

“We are delighted to partner with Baird Capital for the next chapter of Rapid Energy’s growth. Their deep understanding of our sector and experience supporting founder-owned businesses like ours provides the ideal platform to accelerate investment in our fleet, technology, and people, while staying true to our mission and values.

Our leadership team remains in place, our customer-first culture remains at the core of the business, and this partnership gives us the resources to strengthen and

scale what already makes Rapid Energy successful.”

Baird Capital’s investment will also support targeted expansion in key industrial applications, including the continued growth of Rapid Energy’s advanced temperature-control solutions. The company is enhancing its capabilities to meet evolving customer needs, while maintaining a strong emphasis on engineering quality, reliability, and responsive service delivery.

capabilities. This partnership reflects a shared vision for long-term growth, and we look forward to helping the team build on the strong foundation they’ve already created.”

James Benfield, Partner at Baird Capital, said:

“Rapid Energy has built an impressive reputation for technical expertise and marketleading customer service. We’re excited to support the company as it broadens its fleet and deepens its engineering

Following Baird Capital’s investment, Rapid Energy benefits from additional expertise and resources that support innovation and sustainable growth. The partnership may also create new development opportunities for both current and future employees.

Building & Facilities Management magazine covers all of the major FM areas of interest within the workplace and the built environment.

To subscribe to BFM magazine, please visit www.bfmmagazine.co.uk

Energy

with AKCP Sensors

Contact us for a FREE site survey or online demo to learn more about our industry leading environmental monitoring solutions and how they can help to reduce your energy costs. Scalable, with Ethernet and WiFi connectivity, over 20 sensor options for temperature, humidity, water leakage, airflow, AC and DC

and

HID’s New M1 Transparent Gateway Solves Europe’s High-Security Compliance Challenge Without Operational Disruption

Introducing The Industry’s First Add-On Cryptographic Security Gateway to Deliver Transparent Architecture Without the Need to Rip and Replace Existing Access Control Infrastructure

HID, a worldwide leader in trusted identity and physical access control solutions (PACS), announces the HID M1 Transparent Gateway — a security module that sits between existing OSDP (Open Supervised Device Protocol) controllers and readers to perform all cryptographic operations in a secured location. As a firstof-its-kind solution, it enables organizations to achieve transparent architecture compliance without the need to replace their existing physical access control infrastructure.

said

Jos Beernink, HID’s VP of Europe for PACS.

High-security facilities across Europe increasingly face regulatory mandates requiring transparent architecture — a framework where cryptographic operations occur in physically secured locations rather than at vulnerable perimeter readers. France’s ANSSI (Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d’information) CSPN certification already requires this approach, with similar frameworks under consideration in other countries.

Until now, organizations had limited options: deploy entirely new transparent architecture systems from the ground up or forgo opportunities in markets where these requirements apply.

“Security teams shouldn’t have to choose between compliance and protecting their existing investments,”

“The HID M1 Transparent Gateway changes this. Organizations can now meet the most stringent transparent architecture requirements while continuing to use their current controllers, PACS software, and credentials. It’s compliance without compromise.”

The HID M1 sits between existing OSDP controllers and readers, handling all transparent architecture cryptographic operations independently.

From the PACS software’s perspective, the controller continues communicating exactly as before. Each main node supports up to eight transparent HID Signo™ readers, with a dedicated key module storing encryption keys under sovereign organizational control.

Benefits include:

Compliance with complete control: The HID M1 eliminates cryptographic operations at perimeter readers, meeting transparent architecture standards such as France’s ANSSI CSPN. Organizations

maintain exclusive control over encryption keys through centralized administration via HID Linq Key Manager. The HID M1 is controlleragnostic, working with any OSDP controller.

Flexible, door-bydoor deployment: Unlike solutions requiring systemwide transformation, the HID M1 enables incremental upgrades. Organizations can secure only the entry points that require transparent architecture, scaling based on security priorities and budget while preserving existing controller and PACS investments.

Zero operational disruption: The HID M1 integrates seamlessly with existing PACS and does not require software changes. Current MIFARE DESFire cards and HID Signo readers continue functioning. Existing workflows, maintenance agreements, and staff training remain unchanged, meaning deployment requires zero downtime.

Future-ready architecture: An AI-capable processor enables future intelligent security capabilities, while software updates keep the system current as threats and compliance requirements evolve.

The HID M1 Transparent Gateway is available from selected partners in Europe now. Learn more about the HID M1.

Steve Juson, Managing Director,

CHSA’s New Resources Page Makes Clear Requirements for Membership

The CHSA has launched a comprehensive new Resources page on its website. It gives members and prospective members the information they need to ensure compliance with the CHSA Accreditation Schemes. Every CHSA member must comply with the regulations of the Accreditation Scheme they are a member of and the stipulations in the Code of Practice.

In the past 24 months, the CHSA has raised the bar:

• The technical regulations of the Schemes have been tightened, particularly the Schemes for cleaning chemicals and soft tissue.

• An ethical audit of all facilities that manufacture CHSA Accredited Product must be in place by 31 December 2026.

• Members are required to sign an ethical marketing commitment.

• Members are required to sign the CHSA Code of Practice, which incorporates the Competition & Markets Authority’s Green Claims Code.

Nicky Biggart, Chair of the CHSA’s Accreditation Schemes, explained: “Our Accreditation Scheme marks are trusted by buyers of cleaning and hygiene products as stamps of quality. To maintain this trust, our

Accreditation Schemes must continually evolve. In the past 18 months we have increased the rigour and introduced requirements, including the ethical audit, that address the complex challenges of global supply chains and sustainability. The new Resources page has been developed to give existing and prospective members the information they need to understand the obligations of membership and ensure their compliance.

“Buyers and end users who review the Resources page, will now be able to see, in details the obligations placed on members and against which they are audited. Now, more than ever, they can be certain’ what’s on the box is what’s in the box’ if they specify Accreditation Scheme membership in tenders. Our standards, your guarantee.”

The information and guides on the Resources page are:

• CHSA Audits Made Clear. A summary of all

relevant documentation.

• CHSA Audits: A Definitive Guide for Accredited Distributors. This document helps distributor members understand what to expect during an audit and how to prepare.

• CHSA Audits: A Definitive Guide for Accredited Manufacturers. This document helps manufacturing members understand what to expect during an audit and how to prepare.

• ADS Compliance Checklist. The checklist gives Accredited Distributors the information they need to ensure they conform to the Scheme requirements.

• CMAS Compliance Checklist. The checklist gives Accredited Manufacturers of Cleaning Chemicals the information they

need to ensure they conform to the Scheme requirements.

• STAS Compliance Checklist. The checklist gives Accredited Manufacturers of Soft Tissue the information they need to ensure they conform to the Scheme requirements.

• CMAS Fact Sheet. Fact Sheet summarising the key elements of the Cleaning Chemical Accreditation Scheme.

• PSAS Fact Sheet. Fact Sheet summarising the key elements of the Plastic Sack Accreditation Scheme.

• MOPAS Fact Sheet: Fact Sheet summarising the key elements

of the Cotton Mop Accreditation Scheme.

• STAS Fact Sheet: Fact Sheet summarising the key elements of the Soft Tissue Accreditation Scheme.

• Ethical Audit Requirement. The document summarises the requirements and scope of the ethical audit.

• CHSA Marketing Commitment. This document is the ethical marketing commitment all CHSA members must sign.

The website also contains FAQs, addressing the questions commonly asked by members and prospective members.

Run by its members for its

members, the CHSA represent the major manufacturers and distributors supplying cleaning and hygiene product in the UK. The Association introduced its first Accreditation Scheme in 1997 and now has five: for manufacturers of soft tissue, plastic sacks, cotton mops, cleaning chemical and for distributors of cleaning and hygiene products. A Scheme for general members is under review.

The Schemes came into being to guarantee ‘what’s on the box is what’s in the box’. This certainty for buyers that they get what they pay for, has driven the trend of Scheme compliance being specified in tenders.

www.chsa.co.uk

ABM strengthens its partnership with London Fire Brigade

ABM, a leading provider of facility, engineering, transport and infrastructure solutions, has expanded its contract with London Fire Brigade (LFB), underlining the Brigade’s confidence in ABM as a trusted partner in supporting critical public sector services across the capital.

The existing LFB North operation – which runs across 51 stations for the north region of LFB’s estate delivering a comprehensive suite of mechanical and engineering, plumbing, fabric and specialist trade services, including HVAC, critical systems, building management and fuel delivery systems – has been expanded from February to cover more sites in the south region. This includes LFB’s headquarters, its operational support centre and 999 call centre.

ABM has held the LFB North contract since January

2023, following a competitive tender process. Since then, the team has strengthened service delivery by ensuring operational efficiencies, raising on-site performance standards and embedding a culture of continuous improvement which has been instrumental in driving the expansion of the partnership.

Claire Page, Head of Property at London Fire Brigade, said: “Ensuring our buildings and critical systems are reliable and resilient is essential to supporting our firefighters and teams as they serve Londoners. The work delivered to date clearly demonstrates the technical capability, rapid responsiveness and deep understanding of our operational environment required to support the wider estate.”

Richard Sykes, SVP and President of ABM UK and

Ireland, said: “We are delighted to be growing our partnership with LFB. Expanding this contract reflects the trust built through consistent delivery, strong collaboration and a deep understanding of the critical nature of London Fire Brigade operations. This is an important milestone for ABM and creates a strong foundation for a long-term partnership.”

The contract strengthens ABM’s presence within mission-critical public sector environments, where operational excellence, compliance and reliability are paramount.

With 15,000 team members across the UK and Ireland, and extensive experience supporting complex estates across the UK and Ireland, ABM continues to provide industry-leading solutions to a diverse client base from both the private and public sectors.

Building & Facilities Management editorial content covers all the major FM areas of interest within the workplace and the built environment.

This includes industry developments, company news, case studies and application stories, product news as well as articles from leading authorities within the marketplace.

To find out more information about BFM Magazine or to subscribe, please visit www.bfmmagazine.co.uk

Product Review - Milwaukee M18™

LED Stand Light

The Milwaukee M18 SAL LED Stand Light stands out as one of the most impressively engineered jobsite lighting solutions currently available. Designed for professionals who need reliable, high-output illumination in tough environments, this cordless stand light delivers on every promise with the kind of performance and durability Milwaukee is known for.

Right away, the build quality inspires confidence. The light’s robust polymer design, reinforced legs, and secure telescopic mast feel ready for real-world abuse. Whether used on construction sites, in workshops, or for outdoor evening work, the M18 SAL

offers a level of stability that’s rare in portable lighting. The mast extends up to 2.1 metres, elevating the light source above eye level to reduce glare and shadows— an intelligent, worker-focused detail that sets it apart.

Brightness is where this stand light truly shines. Producing up to 2000 lumens of crisp, natural light, it fills large areas evenly, improving visibility and accuracy for detailed tasks. The light head pivots and rotates with impressive flexibility, allowing users to direct illumination exactly where it’s needed. Even more impressive is its runtime: when paired with an M18 REDLITHIUM battery, the light offers hours of uninterrupted

use, making it ideal for long shifts and remote job sites.

Portability is another strong advantage. It folds down quickly into a compact, easy-to-carry form that feels surprisingly lightweight for such a capable unit. Setup is nearly instantaneous—unfold, extend, power on, and work.

Overall, the Milwaukee M18 SAL LED Stand Light is an exceptional tool that delivers premium brightness, outstanding durability, and remarkable ease of use. For professionals who depend on reliable lighting day after day, it’s more than a convenience— it’s a must-have investment that elevates productivity and safety on every job.

Rock Compliance targets fleet safety and insurance improvements with SureCam video telematics

Rock Compliance, a water and air hygiene specialist, has continued to show its techled approach to all things compliance by equipping its nationwide engineering fleet with forward-facing cameras from SureCam to protect drivers, improve road safety and control insurance costs. Since its installation across 200 vans at the end of last year, the vehicle telematics solution has already helped reduce the number of high-risk driving events and atfault insurance claims.

“We have already seen a marked improvement in fleet safety following the roll-out of the SureCam dashcams, which is directly contributing to cost and time savings, while ensuring our drivers and other road users get home safely,” explains Lewis Evans, Fleet & Warehouse Manager at Rock Compliance. “The camera solution is going to make a huge difference to our fleet operation moving forward, providing the tools needed to minimise risk and boost performance.”

disruption. SureCam was selected after a successful trial proved the quality and reliability of the camera system and online platform.

The adoption of the video telematics solution formed part of a comprehensive fleet renewal programme. Following a period of rapid expansion and the company’s acquisition by UK technical services provider Andwis, Rock Compliance took the decision to replace its entire 200-strong van fleet. Partnering with Enterprise, the company had the dashcams pre-installed on all new vehicles prior to delivery to avoid operational

Rock Compliance has already used video evidence to defend against false claims and target areas of driver improvement. In one incident, the company was able to prove liability when a third party tried to claim non-fault having swerved into one of its vans and written it off. The video telematics’ platform is also allowing Rock Compliance to swiftly investigate, and often disprove, incoming complaints, saving a significant amount of management time and avoiding unwarranted compensation and insurance claims.

“Our goal is to use the insight provided by the video telematics to improve driver behaviour and create a positive safety culture through

better-informed engagement and training. We are working closely with the SureCam team to ensure we are making the most of the monitoring and reporting capabilities, which will underpin our safety strategy moving forward. Following the initial success of the technology, we are also in the process of installing dashcams across our car fleet,” adds Lewis Evans.

Sam Footer, Strategic Partnership Director of SureCam commented: “By taking a partnership approach we work seamlessly with enduser fleets, leasing companies and other technology specialists to develop hassle-free video telematics solutions that deliver measurable return on investment. This has enabled us to integrate our industry-leading hardware and software with Rock Compliance’s operational processes, so they can benefit from clear results from day one.”

What is the ‘digital switch’?

Analogue telephone lines have copper conductors. These are being updated with fibre connections to provide broadband connections to commercial and domestic users.

BT Openreach has an objective for all buildings to be on fibre connections by the end of 2025 when support of existing analogue lines will be no more! This has been further exstended to 2027 depending on your area and service provider.

Why does this effect your lift?

Many lift alarm systems use analogue telephone lines and need a dial tone and dual-tone multi frequency (DTMF) signalling to work.

Your lift alarm communication systems will need to work over fibre connections. However, fibre cannot carry a voltage and routers so you will also need a backup power supply to maintain the lift alarm in the case of power failure. See BS EN 81-28:2022

What you need to do NOW?

Telephone lines are the responsibility of the building owner. Who need to be prepared.

1. Talk to your communication provider to understand the changes to your line and when it will happen.

2. Check with your lift maintenance company for advice on equipment that can be fitted. Check you are complying with BS EN 81-28:2022

1. Test the emergency call system: Check test calls use the same method as the actual lift alarm calls.

2. Battery Back-up: - Make sure both the autodialler and GSM gateway have a monitored backup.

Or you may simply contact our friendly team Who have the correct solution for you. Supplied Installed and Tested.

The reality behind the building energy transition journey

Marc Gaunt, sales director, commercial buildings, UK & Ireland at Eaton

Decarbonisation has shifted from a theoretical aspiration to a defining part of everyday practice for building services engineers. Driven by urgent climate goals, tightening regulations, and a growing need for resource efficiency, the pressure to deliver low-carbon solutions has never been greater. Yet, despite rising policy and stronger client ambition, the journey to decarbonising commercial and public buildings remains uneven and some challenges need to be resolved.

The building electrification conundrum

One way to decarbonise a building is through electrification, particularly by replacing fossil-fuel heating with heat pumps and expanding electricvehicle (EV) infrastructure. However, there is a tension between how important sustainability is ranked among engineers and facing the hard reality in meeting these necessary decarbonisation goals.

Evidence for this lies in a recent survey commissioned

by Eaton in collaboration with Chartered Institute of Building Service Engineers (CIBSE). In early 2026, more than 250 building service engineers in the UK were asked about their involvement in electrification projects. While the majority (91%) confirmed sustainability was important in their current projects, they revealed there were several challenges stacked against them. For example, capital cost and economic viability are considered the number one constraint (41%), followed by grid capacity and supply constraints (25.5%), while 19.5% said integration with existing building fabric and space limitations are other key struggles the industry faces. These insights dispel the myth that electrification is a straightforward technical substitution and bring to the surface serious practical difficulties, such as retrofitting heat pumps into cramped plantrooms, accommodating new risers or substations, and negotiating with network operators over connection capacity.

The complexities of net-zero carbon buildings

In the push for net-zero carbon buildings, engineers are having to juggle multiple, sometimes competing, objectives for the specification and design of electrical infrastructure across the building lifecycle. It is no longer about adjusting their processes for a single parameter, such as capital cost or energy efficiency.

The feedback in the survey demonstrates how complicated net zero can be. Over half of the respondents (64%) mentioned system sizing to accommodate higher peak electrical loads, while 52% highlighted the integration of renewables and energy storage systems. Finally, more than a third of the respondents (35%) flagged the material selection and embodied carbon considerations. Without clearer guidance and consistent metrics, this complexity risks slowing progress, rather than accelerating it.

Additionally, with more buildings depending on electrical infrastructure and digital technologies, power resilience and disruption concerns increase. Engineers, therefore, face a compelling challenge: creating sustainable, low-carbon structures that are fully operational and resilient against grid instabilities, climate extremes and changing building usage.

Alleviating some of the pressure

Yet there are clear opportunities to better support building engineers and their sustainability journey. Traditional resilience solutions, such as diesel generators, sit uneasily with decarbonisation

goals, but solutions such as battery storage and smart load management can support in keeping buildings and systems operational.

Grid capacity worries can be tackled by integrating distributed energy resources (DERs), including battery storage, solar PV and EV charging. These solutions help utilities maintain stability while enhancing local grid capacity.

When asked about technologies that will provide the most impact on their work, respondents emphasised digital solutions. Artificial intelligence (AI) and energy consumption forecasting tools were the most popular answers (60% and 57%, respectively). These are closely followed by building performance simulations (53%) that can predict energy usage and carbon emissions, helping optimise building design

and supporting a more sustainable construction. Smart sensor systems (44%) and battery energy storage systems (41%) are some more technologies that will continue making an impact in the next few years. Such digital solutions not only automate processes but also support in delivering more accurate and deeper energy insights, vastly improving the day-to-day management.

These technical hurdles sit alongside practical constraints such as project time pressure, changing client expectations and communication gaps that frequently slow progress.

The road ahead for decarbonisation

Although there are several concerns that might hinder a smooth decarbonisation, it is clear that these obstacles are

systemic constraints rather than technical restrictions. Engineers need practical support, from design expertise to digital tools and training, to simplify increasingly complex projects. Manufacturers can help by engaging early in the design process and providing modelling and simulation tools. These tools allow engineers to assess energy demand, grid capacity and flexibility options from the start, enabling more confident low carbon decisions.

Building Retrofit – Finding The Right Balance Between Gas & Sustainability

Without a doubt, one of the great challenges that faces the UK is the retrofit of HVAC systems across the commercial built environment.

The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) estimates that 80% of non-domestic buildings, of which there are 1,755,000 in England and Wales alone, will still be in use by 2050. A large proportion currently depend on building services that are coming to, or have already exceeded, end-of-life expectations, and therefore require retrofit. Given that the lifespan of ageing buildings can be extended with adequate maintenance, it is not surprising to see budget typically being directed to maintenance and repair, as opposed to carrying out replacement - unless there has been a major failure - or committing to major renovation projects. Renovating water

heating alone can, however, provide some middle ground between ongoing maintenance of outdated systems and largescale building refurbishment.

If you are going to renovate a building, the obvious choice is surely to move to more sustainable alternatives. The drive for decarbonisation is pushing a fabric-first agenda and a move toward electric systems, heat pumps and solar. This is baked into legislation for new build projects but retrofit of existing properties continues to offer alternatives.

Accommodating sustainable applications comes with a whole new set of challenges and costs. Accurate load calculations, considering occupancy patterns and usage habits, are crucial for optimal system sizing. Electric heating elements, or systems using heat pumps for low carbon

preheat, take longer to reheat water; this slower recovery rate demands an increase in the storage volume, demanding extra space. This can be mitigated with high-temperature heat pumps, but this introduces other issues, such as shoring up the roof for these much larger and heavier units, and wider safety concerns over fire from the use of propane refrigerants when associated with solar PV installations. Resultant building works and fabric-first alterations can also reveal hidden issues, such as asbestos in older buildings. The alternative is to raise the kW rating of the electric heater to meet peak demands, which not only has operating cost implications but may clash with the existing electrical capacity of the building, especially if renovation projects incorporate other electrical services, such as EV charging. Resultant upgrades to the building’s electrical supply, which can include extensive and extremely costly groundworks out to the nearest grid substation, can easily hinder or even stall projects entirely. Because of this, gas water heating remains relevant for supporting existing buildings on the path to a transition to zero-emission operations. Familiar and well understood, gas water heaters remain lowcost to purchase (which will be allowed until 2035) require little change to the building fabric, and running costs are still considerably lower than electricity. However, there remains the stumbling block of the variety of ageing appliances in buildings, limiting the choice of replacement and often forcing the use of the same outdated technology if extensive building work is to be avoided.

Addressing this requires gas water heaters, which can match or better still reduce the footprint in the plantroom of older systems. Critically, new appliances need to be able to support universal connectivity, directly aligning with, or requiring little additional work to connect to existing pipework. Versatile flueing is also a necessity when supporting universal retrofit of older systems. This delivers minimal to no impact on building fabric or change in space requirements, even if converting to high-efficiency gas.

As well as ease of installation, operational functionality and system durability are key. The latter is especially true in soft water regions where the corrosive nature of local water can greatly limit the choice to systems typically constructed of more durable, but expensive, stainless steel. However, the use of high-quality steel and double porcelain coating techniques means this is no longer the case. The application of advanced power anodes also helps to greatly minimise wear to extend a water heater’s life in soft water conditions.

The advances in appliance design, diagnostics and onboard monitoring are also helping reshape the approach to gas water heating. Operationally, next generation gas water heaters must meet high thermal efficiency, where as much as 98% is readily achievable, reducing energy demands and

therefore operation costs. This, when coupled with condensing technology, the capability to use natural gas/hydrogen blends and intelligent monitoring, helps control emission levels wherever possible. Diagnostics also allow for proactive monitoring of the systematic health of the tank by providing alerts and maintenance reminders, all of which can be integrated into the building management systems (BMS). Wi-Fi connection also opens options for app-based remote control and smart energy use monitoring. With onboard metering, estate managers and operators can better manage energy demands as well as detect and deal with problems before they become critical, ensuring their business is not penalised with any downtime. All this functionality has been

incorporated into Adveco’s Astute® range of intelligent commercial gas water heaters. The 300 and 380-litre variants, available from 37 up to 111kW, provide capacity typically demanded by commercial applications seen in the likes of schools and colleges, hotels, hospitals and residential care homes. More compact units from 22kW and 190 litre capacity are available to support smaller projects such as retail outlets, smaller offices and other businesses with lower daily hot water demands. Astute can help organisations with gas-connected buildings navigate towards sustainability at a pace that suits them, allowing for transition to zero carbon alternatives potentially into the mid to late 2040s.

https://adveco.co/

Why is commercial roof maintenance so important?

The roof of a commercial building plays a critical role in protecting a building’s structure and its contents, as well as safeguarding the wellbeing of occupants. Commercial roof maintenance helps to ensure the long-term integrity and functionality of the roof, reducing the risk of leaks, water damage and structural deterioration.

The life expectancy of a commercial roof can range from 10 to 60 years. With regular inspections, suitable maintenance and timely roof repairs, the expected lifespan of a commercial roof can be extended significantly.

What types of roof maintenance are typically required?

All roofs require regular cleaning to remove debris, dirt and organic growth from the roof surface and drainage channels. Inspections should also be carried out at least twice a year.

A commercial roof maintenance plan should include: Checking the roof covering for cracks, bumps or loose edges. Inspecting seals, flashings, upstands and curbs around roof penetrations such

as chimneys, vents, access hatches and rooflights. Inspecting rooftop equipment such as solar panels and HVAC plant to ensure they are in good working order, well supported and secured in place. Checking the condition of guardrails, anchor points, walkways and other safety features.

Problems found during routine inspections can often be dealt with quickly and easily before they become bigger issues.

It’s important to keep detailed records of all maintenance that is carried out, as well as findings from inspections.

What are the implications of not carrying out commercial roof maintenance?

Failing to maintain and regularly inspect a commercial roof can result in structural and financial consequences as well as safety hazards and potential legal repercussions.

Common problems that are caused by inadequate roof maintenance include:

Structural damage – Water infiltration can compromise a building’s structural integrity, including the roof structure, walls and even the foundations. This can lead to safety hazards or potentially catastrophic failure of the building.

Damp, mould and mildew – If water permeates the building, it can lead to the growth of mould and mildew, which can damage building materials and cause health risks to occupants.

Safety hazards – Leaking roofs can lead to wet, slippery floors, or allow water to get into machinery, which could endanger operators. If the rooftop is used for access,

damage to the roof surface can also create trip hazards or other safety risks.

Damage to building contents – From factories and warehouses to offices, shops and restaurants, commercial buildings are full of contents that are necessary for business continuity and expensive to replace.

Decreased energy efficiency – Cracks, gaps and other commercial roof damage cause draughts and cold bridges, leading to heat loss in the winter or heat gain in summer. HVAC systems will then need to work harder to maintain indoor temperatures, thereby increasing energy consumption and running costs.

The damage caused by inadequate commercial roof maintenance can reduce the property value, as potential tenants or buyers may be deterred from investing in a property that may require extensive repairs.

Neglecting commercial roof maintenance may also lead to other financial or legal implications. For example, the roof systems warranties could become void, meaning

the building owner would have to pay the full cost for any necessary repairs or replacements. Safety violations caused by insufficient roof maintenance could lead to legal repercussions, and insurance claims may be denied if roof-related damage is found to have occurred due to poor maintenance.

If you’re not sure what roof maintenance and repairs are required, an expert site survey can help you better understand the current state of your commercial roof.

Extend the life of your commercial roof

Approved installers of coldapplied liquid waterproofing, such as Jones Weatherproofing, have specially developed repair solutions which can be used to repair all types of flat or pitched roofs and extend the life of a commercial roof.

To find out more about coldapplied liquid waterproofing, how to extend the life of your commercial roof or to discuss carrying out a site survey contact Jones Weatherproofing to seek their expert advice.

YorPower launches “YorPower HYPER” — a highperformance, ultra-quiet, HVO-ready power solution for

noise-sensitive, high-compliance sites

Designed for hospitals, data centres near residential areas, hotels, mixed-use developments and other critical facilities where noise limits, sustainability expectations and reliability must all be met at once.

YorPower has announced the launch of YorPower HYPER, a new Generator / Power Solutions package engineered for environments where conventional standby generators create unacceptable risk – whether that’s noise complaints, planning delays, ESG pressure or high whole-of-life cost.

Built specifically to address the tight noise restrictions and emissions regulations, YorPower HYPER combines

ultra-low noise performance, HVO fuel capability and high step-load performance to protect people and operations without disrupting surrounding communities or inflating project costs through unnecessary oversizing.

The problem: critical backup power can create major project risk

In many sectors, backup power is non-negotiable –but traditional generators

can cause expensive downstream problems:

• Noise disruption and complaints, especially in hospitals, hotels, residential/ mixed-use developments and live environments

• Planning friction, where strict acoustic conditions and sensitive receptors delay approval

• Sustainability scrutiny, with increased expectations on emissions and environmental performance

• Oversizing “just in case,” leading to higher capex, greater footprint, inefficient operation and higher running costs

YorPower HYPER is designed to solve these issues from the outset – prioritising

acoustic control, environmental improvement and smarter performance-led specification.

Ultra-quiet by design (not an afterthought)

YorPower HYPER is engineered to operate at exceptionally low noise levels, making it suitable for noisecritical locations such as healthcare sites, dense urban developments, hospitality venues and sites operating close to residential areas.

Instead of relying on standard enclosures, the package can incorporate bespoke acoustic engineering and site-specific design features to help projects meet stringent noise expectations from day one.

Cleaner, more environmentally responsible standby power

To support sustainability goals, YorPower HYPER is offered with HVOready capability, enabling organisations to reduce reliance on traditional diesel where appropriate.

Alongside its reduced noise impact (minimising noise pollution), this provides a practical route to improved environmental performance while maintaining the reliability required of lifesafety standby power.

Lower whole-of-life cost through smarter sizing and performance

Life-safety standby power is often oversized to reduce perceived risk – yet oversizing increases cost, footprint, fuel consumption, noise and emissions.

YorPower HYPER addresses this with high step-load capability designed to support demanding critical loads, combined with needs-led specification so the generator is better matched to the real operating profile. The result is improved efficiency

and a lower whole-of-life cost - without compromising life-safety outcomes.

Optional long-term support and maintenance is available to protect compliance, reliability and performance over the lifespan of the asset.

Built for compliance, including planning support

YorPower HYPER is designed for projects where compliance matters as much as performance. YorPower can support with acoustic surveys, noise impact assessments aligned to UK methodologies, and planning documentation to reduce delays and de-risk approval.

Ideal applications

YorPower HYPER is designed for organisations requiring dependable standby power in noise-

sensitive or high-compliance environments, including:

• Hospitals and healthcare facilities

• Data centres near residential or mixed-use areas

• Hotels, serviced apartments and hospitality sites

• Residential and mixed-use developments

• Venues and events where minimal disruption is essential

Availability

YorPower HYPER is available now. Projects typically begin with a site and compliance discovery (noise limits, receptors, operating requirements and planning conditions), followed by design, specification and a supporting evidence pack where required.

www.yorpower.com

“YorPower HYPER is built for the sites where conventional standby power simply isn’t acceptable - it’s exceptionally quiet for environments where minimal noise is a must, it’s a greener choice by cutting noise pollution and enabling HVO fuel in place of diesel, and it’s engineered to deliver a lower whole-of-life cost through smarter, more efficient specification – without compromising life-safety reliability.”

- Stephen Peal, Managing Director, YorPower.

Awaab’s Law: a new chapter for social housing

By Joe Lloyd-Allen, Residential Product Manager at Nuaire

On 27 October 2025, Awaab’s Law came into force, requiring social landlords to investigate and address damp and mould hazards within strict timescales. The law is named after Awaab Ishak, the two-year-old who tragically died in 2020 following prolonged exposure to mould in his family home. His story became a catalyst for reform across the housing sector, and the legislation now represents a defining moment for social housing providers and those responsible for managing and maintaining housing stock.

For facilities managers and estates teams working within social housing, Awaab’s Law introduces clearer legal duties and greater scrutiny around building condition, responsiveness and accountability. At the same

time, it presents an opportunity to rethink how damp and mould are managed across housing portfolios, to embed preventative approaches into maintenance strategies, and to strengthen trust with residents. By taking a proactive approach and making use of proven technologies, organisations can not only meet their obligations but also improve the long-term quality and performance of their homes.

Understanding the requirements

The legislation sets out clear expectations. When a Significant Hazard such as damp and mould is reported, landlords must begin investigating within 10 working days. Where works are required, these must start within

a further five working days and be completed as soon as reasonably practicable, within 12 weeks. Where a hazard is categorised as an emergency and poses an immediate risk to life or health, make-safe action must be taken within 24 hours. These timescales underline the seriousness with which damp and mould are now regarded as health risks within social housing. For residents, they provide reassurance that issues cannot be ignored or delayed. For facilities and asset management teams, they provide a clear operational framework and a way to demonstrate robust compliance and accountability.

A new relationship with residents

Awaab’s Law is not only

about procedures; it is fundamentally about people. Residents will benefit from clearer communication, greater transparency and improved confidence that concerns will be taken seriously and addressed promptly. They will also have a stronger sense of empowerment, knowing there are defined routes for escalation if issues are not resolved.

For those responsible for housing stock, this shift presents an opportunity to strengthen relationships with tenants. By responding quickly, explaining actions clearly and supporting residents in understanding how their homes function, providers can move away from reactive, complaintled maintenance towards a more collaborative and preventative model. Ultimately, this is about trust: ensuring every resident feels confident that their home is safe and that

their concerns will be heard.

The opportunity for housing providers and FM teams

The new law undoubtedly brings additional responsibilities. Meeting the deadlines requires strong reporting systems, clear internal processes, effective contractor management and well-trained teams. Many providers are already working in this direction, but Awaab’s Law provides a consistent framework to bring these practices together.

By embedding early identification of hazards into routine inspections and planned maintenance, housing teams can identify risks before they escalate. By standardising approaches to investigating and recording reports, organisations can reduce delays and ensure consistency. Better data capture can also provide valuable

insight into which properties or archetypes present the greatest risk, helping to prioritise investment and target resources more effectively.

These measures go beyond compliance. They support improved asset condition, reduced longterm maintenance costs and healthier, more resilient homes.

Tackling the root causes

While prompt repair is essential, the legislation also highlights the importance of prevention. Much of the damp and mould seen in social housing is linked to condensation, which is often a symptom of inadequate ventilation. Short-term fixes, such as surface treatment of mould, may offer temporary relief but rarely address the underlying cause.

This is where investment in effective ventilation

Health & Safety

strategies becomes critical. Whether through positive input ventilation (PIV) systems, continuous extract ventilation or whole-home solutions such as MVHR, appropriate technology can deliver measurable improvements in indoor air quality. By ensuring that homes are properly ventilated, housing providers can significantly reduce the likelihood of condensation and, with it, the recurring cycle of damp and mould. Alongside technical solutions, resident engagement also plays an important role. Helping tenants understand how ventilation systems operate and how everyday activities affect moisture levels ensures that solutions perform as intended. Together, these elements create home environments in which damp and mould are far less likely to develop.

From compliance to collaboration

The spirit of Awaab’s Law is about achieving a safer and healthier standard of social housing. While the legal duties are fixed, the way providers meet them will vary. What is increasingly clear is that success depends on collaboration: between asset teams, housing officers, maintenance providers, residents and industry partners, with prevention at the heart of housing management.

Whilst the focus for many providers will naturally be on ensuring compliance with the law, beyond the immediate adjustments lies a bigger opportunity: to embed a culture where safe, healthy homes are the norm, and where damp and mould are treated not as inevitable, but as preventable.

For the sector as a whole, it represents an opportunity to turn a difficult moment in history into a catalyst for long-term improvement. Nuaire has been providing ventilation solutions for social housing for over 50 years: www.nuaire.co.uk/ residential/social-housing

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