All posts for 2009

We went on our annual SFS intec sales conference last week and in true British summer spirit the SFS intec team hit the sunny Cornish Coast, with our tents and raincoats in tow.

Every year we all do something as a team that is challenging and rewarding, and this year was no exception. We were to hit the open sea in kayaks.

Let me set the scene… 

We were all lined up on the beach in this tiny cove at St Quin, prepared in our wet suits and helmets - all awaiting the important announcement - who would be teamed up with whom!  I knew who I wanted to be with, so I aimed straight in Martyn Holloway, our Business Development Manager’s, direction because I knew he wouldn't want to be with someone who would 'rock the boat'.

As it happens I've been kayaking before and so I reassured him that he'd be safe with me in his boat.  There's a very good reason for this, Martyn can't swim and he hasn't been in a small boat before and so was very nervous.  He had told me earlier that his teenage daughter had been kayaking and so was determined that he wouldn't bottle it!  “Never!” I said - would that happen.  I knew what it meant to Martyn to go home and tell his daughter what a great time he had and how he overcame his nerves and rose to the challenge, especially when you're nearly 50 and others who were up for it were a lot older!

I have to say Martyn certainly conquered his fears, we were the last team to come in and we even followed the tutors out to the headland on some quite choppy water - heaven knows what we'd have done if we'd gone over - even I was a little spooked!  But we kept our heads and came in thoroughly whacked but so exhilarated.  The first thing Martyn said when we landed was "Can't wait to ring her when we get back."

Well done Mart, I was so proud of you…and you kept me dry when everyone else got a good dunking! 

Connie

I wonder why lobbying groups and national newspapers continue to talk about air traffic’s contribution to carbon emissions when buildings contribute over 40% of total emissions! The construction industry continues to remain low on the radar despite the prominent role it clearly plays.

Carbon tax and CO₂ reduction were top talking points in this year’s Budget and I think we all acknowledge this will have a significant impact on the future of the building industry. But there is little recognition or appreciation of the role the sector can play in reducing total emissions.

Under the Climate Change Act, the Government has set limits on carbon emissions for the next 40 years, aiming to reduce emissions by 80% (compared to 1990) by 2050. A series of five-year targets are being imposed, and the UK is reportedly on target to meet the first 22% reduction by 2012.

As one of the biggest consumers of global energy, buildings as a whole are now being targeted. Research by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development has revealed that the world’s houses and office buildings consume 40% of global energy and emit the same proportion of gases. (At this point I switch the television and printer off at the plug).

Of course, all of us involved in the roofing and cladding industry may feel we have been there before. But are you aware of the series of changes to the Building Regulations Part L (in Scotland Technical Standards Part J) that are being stacked up to achieve this, with the aim of 34% reduction by 2020?

It is anticipated that by April next year the first steps will be introduced, followed by more in 2013, which is why we need to take actions now to be ready for new changes in the future.

The industry is faced with the scenario that excessive energy consumption (including CO₂ emissions) is going to be hammered by both legislative and economic pressures. As energy and CO₂ footprints become a general business issue - perhaps even taxed - building occupiers and building owners will be demanding proof of long term efficiency.

One of the main contributors to carbon emissions is air leakage from the interfaces and lap joints within many types of roofing and cladding materials, which significantly reduces the thermal efficiency of a building. At SFS intec, we have been working hard to provide the industry with warranted butyl sealants that are designed to perform to the rigorous standards demanded by the Building Regulations, with a 25 year warranty providing sustainable performance.

Similarly, in response to innovation in the building envelope, we have developed a range of bespoke austenitic stainless steel fasteners for each specific application, including composite panel, built up roofing, aluminium standing seam, single ply, and rainscreen and façades. Examples of these can be found on the products pages of this site.

As we fight to rise out of recession and strive to make measureable cost-efficiencies when it comes to commercial and other non-residential properties, it is clear that improving our installation practices and using warranted materials are central to the future of construction.

Last September we vowed to bring essential free training to specifiers, designers, estimators and contractors across the UK with SFS intec’s mobile i-Van service. Since then we have visited over 50 locations, from Scotland to the South West and central London, bringing essential building regulation advice and hands-on product training to the industry.

Geared out with the latest product solutions and high tech equipment, we bring the training to you to ensure installers and estimators are up-to-date on fixing techniques without losing time on site and potential earnings.

In just two hours we can introduce the latest fastener innovations and identify the long-term, air-tight solutions available through SFS intec fasteners and ancillary products.

Keeping up with the latest changes in Building Regulations can be difficult, which is why our short presentation summary is so useful. We also prepare contractors for new changes about to come in to ensure your builds are air tight. New energy performance requirements, which were introduced in Part L, mean that all new buildings need an Energy Performance Certificate. The airtight security that SFS intec’s fasteners provide guarantee that contractors can limit their liabilities in the future.

The i-Van gives contractors valuable practical experience and can be easily fitted into the working day. Our visits have been so successful that many customers have requested re-visits to bring the training to the wider team.

This week the i-Van will be visiting the North East so look out for us on the road.

If you would like more information or a visit from the i-Van please contact your local SFS intec representative.

• Paul Priestly, South West, email: prpa@sfsintec.biz
• Paul Roberts, South East, email: rpau@sfsintec.biz
• Stewart Morgan, North East, email: most@sfsintec.biz
• Craig Winstanley, North West, email: wcra@sfsintec.biz
• Mick Steeples, Midlands, email: smic@sfsintec.biz
• Dave Osborne, Scotland, email: osda@sfsintec.biz