Metal pipework systems have traditionally been the material of choice for many working in the construction industry. However the life-cycle cost of a product is becoming more important in construction and increasingly the industry is considering whole life costings when deciding which products to specify. As a result the specification of plastic pipework systems has increased significantly over recent years, with around 15% of all pipework installations in building services applications now plastic. This is set to continue rising at a steady pace, especially with the cost of copper continuing to rise.

Bolting renewable technologies onto poorly performing buildings is not a good recipe for improving lifecycle costing, says Paul Jakeway, Marketing and Communications Manager for Vaillant.

In today’s climate where reducing carbon emissions and energy usage, meeting amendments to the building regulations and achieving good room comfort are key considerations, it is unsurprising that alternative methods of providing cooling within non-domestic environments are being explored.

In today’s commercial environment operating costs are continuously being scrutinised and squeezed.  Lighting is no exception.  Whilst requirements are continuously rising and may vary from application to application, they do have one thing in common: the need for reduced total cost-of-ownership.  It is no longer an option to consider the initial install cost. Indeed, customers today are becoming more interested in whole life costing which is why cradle to rebirth lighting solutions are so important.  These solutions include design capability, refit capacity, best practice planned lighting maintenance plus a premium recycling offer where up to 98% of components of lamps are re-used by manufacturers such as Philips.

High performance, service and reassurance are just as important as the price tag, says Heatrae Sadia