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Hartlepool College of Further Education is demonstrating its commitment to renewable energy, with a major investment in solar water heating from Ferroli. In addition to installing an Aquasol system with a high efficiency combi boiler to provide hot water, the College has a training system in the heating and plumbing workshop, complete with Ferroli solar panels on a mock-up roof, as part of its new BPEC solar courses. The solar panels in the Aquasol system pre-heat the water in an Aquasol cylinder, which then flows through a Ferroli Optimax HE combi for thermal "top up" if required. On successful completion of the college's training on the Aquasol, students will receive the industry recognised BPEC qualification which will give them access to the government's Low Carbon Buildings Programme. In addition to Aquasol, Staffordshire-based Ferroli also offers a solution for larger DHW users, in which the solar collector panels pre-heat the water stored in an AquCyl twin coil cylinder by a primary heating coil - a Ferroli high efficiency boiler then tops up the water temperature via a secondary coil in the cylinder.

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Three LST models have been added to the best-selling Norel range of electric panel heaters by appliance maker Robinson Willey. Ranging from 0.5 - 1.0kW, the heaters boast an electronic thermostat for energy efficiency, and can be used as a cost-effective way to extend an existing heating system when buildings are being refurbished or new rooms

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Condensing boiler manufacturer Buderus has claimed that the newest addition to its commercial range is "a boiler for all occasions". The floor-standing GB312 is, it says, highly efficient and environmentally friendly, and particularly suitable for installation into existing heating systems. The range includes six GB312 models with outputs ranging from 90kW - 280kW, and features an aluminium condensing heat exchanger that maximises efficiency even when heat demand is low, as the boiler can modulate down to 30% of full capacity. The burner is linked to a digital Energy Management System (EMS) which continually monitors the system's heat requirements so that energy is not wasted when demand for heat drops. Intelligent control options and the EMS ensure synchronisation between boiler and heating system and the result is a price/performance ratio that should reduce fuel consumption and return initial investment costs.

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As the responsibility of architects and property developers increases to comply with the new requirements specified by the Building Regulations Approved Document B 2006, SE Controls has updated its guide on smoke control systems in residential buildings. ADB's most significant revision is to pinpoint the need for smoke control to be treated as a system, in accordance with European standards. The new document also recognises the now widespread use of smoke shafts. SE Controls managing director Will Perkins says: "Meeting the requirements of Approved Document B is a major challenge for any residential developer. We have updated our Residential Smoke Ventilation brochure to provide all the advice and answers architects and contractors will need."

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The partnership between Fernox and Signpost Housing Association has moved into its third year with the implementation of a water analysis service from Fernox. The service ensures that the central heating systems installed in 300 homes in North Dorset retain a valid warranty, as boiler manufacturers are increasingly reluctant to honour warranty repairs where they suspect that the problem has been caused by debris or sludge in the system. Each boiler is pre-commissioned using Fernox Cleaner F3 and Protector F1. On completion, the system water is tested using the Fernox Water Test Kit, and samples analysed to determine its condition, ensuring problems are caught early and repairs because of an invalid warranty are avoided.

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In order to meet the need for an efficient and energy saving product to counter poor indoor air quality, LG offers the Eco V heat recovery ventilator. Said to dramatically improve air quality in buildings which must meet minimum requirements, the Eco V features a particle collection filter which can trap particles smaller than tobacco smoke.

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An Isle of Lewis Housing Association has chosen Eco Heat Pumps for six new properties in Newvalley near Stornoway. The Eco Thermia Diplomat Heat Pumps are linked to a specially drilled borehole, and provide renewable energy for domestic hot water and space heating for each of the houses. A water-glycol mixture is pumped through pipework in the boreholes, drawing naturally occurring heat into the system from deep below the ground. The heated water - at 12 to 15°C - then enters the flow side of the Eco Heat Pump, where the compressor and condenser brings it to the temperature levels required in the property.

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As the drive for low energy homes gathers pace, Xpelair unveils the Xcell 270 Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery (MVHR) unit. Designed to save energy and improve air quality, the Xcell 270 claims to exceed the Building Regulations Part L for greater levels of air tightness while delivering a constant flow of fresh "tempered" air. Also available is the Premier LV Ultra DC fan.

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