Which?: Next government must do more on energy efficiency

Posted on by Posted in Health and Safety, Heating, Renewable Energy

which-energyA new Which? report has called for the next government to radically re-think its energy efficiency strategy to help millions of consumers ensure their homes are better insulated.

With energy bills consistently one of the top financial worries for consumers, the new report, ‘A Local Approach to Energy Efficiency’, calls for a better approach to energy efficiency.

Despite successive governments attempting to address this issue, the UK’s housing stock continues to be among Europe’s least energy efficient with millions of homes leaking cash every winter through poor insulation.

Up to 5.4 million homes still do not have their cavity walls filled, a measure which can save up to £140 per year off the average dual fuel bill, and up to 7.4 million still need their lofts fully lagged. It is also estimated that the NHS spends £1.36 billion each year treating illnesses caused and exacerbated by cold homes.

The report highlights action for the next government including:

  • A switch to a long-term local approach: partly funded by a long-term levy on energy suppliers and paid into a central pot. Funds would be allocated by a central administrator to local authorities for them to lead the roll-out of energy saving measures from 2017. This could include partnerships, for example between councils and GPs or social landlords, to use local knowledge to maximise consumer take up.
  • An overhaul of the Green Deal: With just 399 plans taken out on average each month since it launched – around 9,600 in total – Which? wants to see fundamental improvements and an immediate evaluation of the scheme.
  • A decade-long cross-government plan: Which? wants to see clear insulation targets and delivery plans extending over the next ten years. Taking action on energy efficiency needs a joined up approach across government including Department of Energy & Climate Change, Department for Communities and Local Government, HM Treasury, Department of Health, Department for Business, Innovation & Skills and devolved administrations, because of the many benefits for health, jobs and the economy.
  • Better cost control and value for money: Which? wants to see greater scrutiny and oversight of the money spent from consumers’ bills on energy efficiency. Which? wants to change the supplier obligation to a fixed levy on bills, overseen by government, which would ensure more transparency and certainty about the costs consumers pay for green measures.

Which? executive director, Richard Lloyd said:

“With millions of homes still not insulated, energy efficiency is a collective failure of successive governments. The next government must grab this issue by the scruff of the neck and commit to an aggressive energy efficiency strategy as soon as it takes power.

“We want to see radical improvements to the roll out, funding and take-up of energy efficiency measures so people can enjoy warmer homes, lower bills and better health.

“Energy efficiency is part of a wider issue with this sector, and we believe the next government must prioritise making sure the energy market is stronger, more competitive and works better for consumers. We need to make it easier for consumers to choose the best energy deal, which is why we published research highlighting how simple pricing can help consumers pick the best tariff. Also as district heating becomes more widespread, we have published a new report raising questions for the next government on how to ensure these schemes offer consumers a fair deal.”

 

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Roman enclosures with bows on

Posted on by Posted in Bathrooms and Kitchens

Roman-EnclosuresRoman presents a Bow Fronted Quadrant and One Door Quadrant to tackle the perennial issue of fitting a shower enclosure into smaller bathrooms.

Size is often very limited in the bathroom which is why a curved shower enclosure could be the perfect solution.

A quadrant shower enclosure is perfect if you have a shortage of wall space says Roman, but more space available within the centre of the bathroom. Quadrants are large enough to feel spacious but are shaped to save your floor space.

Roman’s Bow Fronted Quadrant and One Door Quadrants are specifically designed to take up minimal and finite wall space, but they bow out into the middle of the room where you can use space to create a large showering area.

The Quadrants feature smooth operating sliding doors, which is ideal for tight spaces, or situations where there is little space for an outward opening door. The curved doors and curved design of quadrant shower enclosures contrast with the typical straight lines usually found in the bathroom.

They come in a wide variety of sizes and make full use of a corner. Despite their curved front, they feel just as spacious as the same sized square and rectangular version but can make a bathroom look much more spacious by not encroaching too far into the room.

The weight of the 8mm thick glass presents a smooth gliding door action and a smooth running ‘quick release’ roller bearing system makes the quadrant enclosure easily accessible to clean. The clever sizing of the Bow Fronted Quadrant’s 650mm x 1150mm tray delivers a showering area of 1200mm x 1000mm to maximise the showering area. The modern look of the Quadrant Enclosure is finished off with a bright silver frame, ‘minimal’ low profile seals and a stylish chromed brass handle.

Roman’s Quadrant Enclosures have their own dedicated shower trays, which are manufactured from Roman Stone. The Infinity Trays are strong and durable and achieve their level access feature due to them being only 40mm nominal height. It provides the added reassurance of a tray, with the minimalist design and level access of a wetroom.

David Osborne, managing director of Roman, said:

“With the average UK bathroom getting smaller, planning out a bathroom is becoming a more difficult task, particularly if you want both a shower enclosure and bath included.

“We are always looking for new and innovative ways to get round this issue of space, or more accurately, the lack of it. There is a wide selection of space saving solutions on the market and we make sure with showering this is no exception.”

www.roman-showers.com

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£25 million fund released for off grid central heating installations

Posted on by Posted in Heating, Home improvement, Useful Resources

heatingfund1Cold homes can now apply for a share of a £25 million Central Heating Fund, the Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Davey has announced.

The money is expected to help up to 8,000 fuel-poor homes living off the gas grid stay warmer for less through the installation of complete first-time central heating systems.

New details have also been unveiled of the £1 million warmth-on-prescription fund that will boost nine local authorities in their efforts to help people in fuel poor households whose health is affected by cold homes.

Schemes like the Dudley Winter Warmth Support Service will improve around 180 fuel poor households by installing a range of energy efficiency measures and the Warm and Healthy Homes Programme in Durham will provide essential training to over 100 health and social care professionals to ensure fuel poor households are identified and supported.

Energy Secretary Ed Davey said:

“The heat is on for warmer, healthy homes. Over one million homes are now warmer and cheaper to heat thanks to the government’s Energy Companies Obligation and the Green Deal policies. This £25 million competition will go further to help thousands more.

“Fuel poverty has fallen every year since 2010, however there are still too many people affected by it. That is why we have introduced an ambitious Fuel Poverty Strategy and are mobilising front-line services to innovate how we identify and target those living in cold homes.”

Rachel Fisher, head of policy at the National Housing Federation, said:

“A much needed long term plan to end the housing crisis within a generation shouldn’t just address the chronic shortage of new homes, but also bringing empty homes back into use and improving the quality of existing homes.

“The Department of Energy and Climate Change new £25 million Central Heating Fund provides an opportunity to improve the quality of life of thousands of tenants by lifting them out of fuel poverty with the installation of new heating technologies, including renewable heat. We would encourage housing associations to take an in-depth look at this funding to see how they can use it to make the most lasting impact.”

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Up to £2 million in additional funding, available in 2015/16, has kick-started a collaborative programme, working with local authorities and partners on future pilots that will continue to build on the progress made so far. These include community energy schemes, giving face-to-face advice and building on the success of Big Energy Saving Network.

BEAMA’s independent campaign Ask for Underfloor has welcomed the release.

Colin Timmins, of BEAMA Underfloor, said:

“This initiative provides much needed funds to help improve the standard of living for thousands of people. As the scheme is for first-time central heating systems, there is the potential for underfloor heating (UFH) to be considered. Water-based UFH runs at a lower temperature compared to other heating systems and is compatible with heat pumps or boilers, making it an ideal option for fuel poor homes.

“UFH is more efficient, provides a superior level of comfort and is more cost effective than other heating options. With that in mind, we would urge housing associations and local authorities to consider UFH when taking advantage of the Central Heating Fund. Not only would it provide tenants with comfort and health benefits, it would also help them control their energy bills.”

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Boris Johnson boards Crossrail TBMs

Posted on by Posted in Construction

Boris_Crossrail_TBMLondon mayor Boris Johnson visited the Crossrail project 42-metres below Liverpool Street Station today as the final boring machines are prepared for one last push.

Crossrail tunnel boring machines Victoria and Elizabeth are currently being prepared to complete the last two 750-metre tunnel drives between Liverpool Street and Farringdon.

When they reach their destination and the big east-west breakthrough is complete, all 26 miles of Crossrail’s new train tunnels will have been created.

Taking the opportunity to climb all over the TBMs, Mayor Boris Johnson said:

“These hardworking beasts have slowly but steadily been working their way across London underneath our feet. The last time I saw them they were at Canary Wharf, and now nearly six million tonnes of earth has been excavated and their work is almost complete. The project, the largest in Europe, will transform rail services across London and remains on time and on budget.

“We must capitalise on its success and work to ensure Crossrail 2 becomes a reality. With the government confirming this week the Crossrail 2 route is now safeguarded, and businesses and the public showing overwhelming support for the plan, we are moving even closer to delivering another much needed new rail line for the capital.”

Crossrail chairman Terry Morgan said:

“It’s fantastic that the end of tunnelling is now in sight. For nearly three years, our machines have been inching their way forward beneath the streets of London. Once the tunnelling is complete, we will turn our attention to fitting out the tunnels with the tracks, cabling and all the systems needed to deliver a fully operating railway.”

boris-tbm2

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Worcesters new Distribution Centre opens its doors

Posted on by Posted in Plumbing Industry News

worcesterWorcester, Bosch Group was joined by local MP, Robin Walker, to officially open the doors of its new £9 million Bosch Distribution Centre, located in Warndon, Worcester.

The landmark building reaffirms the boiler manufacturer’s commitment to the area and ensures it can now consolidate its two existing distribution facilities into one, highly-efficient location.

The company’s finished boilers, heat pumps, cylinders, commercial products and accessories have already been moved from the previous warehouses to the new 6.7 acre site, which is able to hold more than 10,000 pallets at capacity.

Internal sales teams and the logistics planning departments have also made the move to the new building.

The site also features a three-tier mezzanine and additional racking to house the spare parts pre-pack and despatch departments for greater efficiency. When fully operational, it will allow for the despatch of 10,000 items per day.

Carl Arntzen, managing director of Worcester, Bosch Group, said:

“This new building supplements the huge investment we have undertaken at our head office and factory on Cotswold Way, and will ensure our business continues to produce and distribute the quality and innovative products for which Worcester is known, as effectively as possible.

“The move has involved a great deal of logistical planning to combine the two previous locations but we are already seeing the benefits.

“Not only has it made it easier in terms of storage and distribution space, but the extra office facilities also give flexibility for future growth, as we continue to strengthen our position in the market,”

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