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Windows Hold the Key to Europe's Energy Efficiency Drive

The EU energy efficiency in buildings directive coupled with rising oil prices and concerns about climate change are increasingly focussing attention on the amount of energy lost from buildings. Energy saving is becoming a mainstream issue. Installing energy-efficient, insulating window frames is key to saving energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Europe.

A study 'Potential to save energy through the use of modern window systems in Europe' by engineer Marcus Hermes presented at the 'Plastic Profiles in Construction' conference in Brussels on 29th November showed that upgrading inefficient windows could save enough energy annually to provide heating and hot water for almost four million people. After five years of upgrades, this could reach an annual saving of 13 billion euro.

The study was commissioned by EPPA (European PVC Window and Related Products Association) and PVCplus and sets out to highlight the growth potential in the window sector and quantify the contribution energy-efficient PVC window frames make to sustainable development. It sets out energy-saving scenarios achieved when poor quality inefficient windows are replaced. If for example type D (very low insulating windows) were upgraded to type A (good insulation level) across Europe 39,360 million kWh could be saved per year with a potential CO2 saving of 8.58 Mt (megatonnes).

Currently around 45% of window frames in Europe are made from PVC with 28% made from wood and 25% from aluminium. In Britain the market share for PVC window frames is 80%, and in Germany, France and Austria it is over 50%. The growth potential for PVC window frames and related energy savings are significant. In Turkey, the PVC window market grew by 22% last year.

Today 82 million windows are sold in Europe each year. ‘Replacing twice as many inefficient window frames with new insulating PVC window frames in Europe would lead to huge savings of energy and heating costs as well as CO2 emissions. This goal is ambitious but not unrealistic’, said EPPA Director Ulrike Grawe. ‘Making the right choices and opting for energy-efficient window frames is essential for Europe's sustainable future, particularly in the new EU Member States where the market for building renovation and upgrading windows is booming’, she said.

For more information:
Ulrike Grawe, +32 473 251 573, info@eppa-profiles.org
Werner Preusker, +49 228 917 830, pvcplus@pvcplus.de

To download the study: http://www.pvcplus.de/fileadmin/download/PVCplus/Hermes%20Studie%20Englisch.pdf

Nick is Highly Commended at the Construction Marketing Awards

Nick Dutton of Synseal received a commendation for Construction Marketer of the Year at the Construction Marketing Awards. This is the first year for the category for Construction Marketer of the year. Nick was one of four finalists, and he received high praise from the judges. There were only three other categories where a highly commended certificate was given in addition to the award.

Synseal was also a finalist in two other categories; Best Campaign under £25,000 and Best use of Direct Marketing. Synseal is no stranger to winning the awards as it won the Best Campaign under £25,000 last year with an entry that cost only £480, but produced an annualised income of £2.3 million!

Over 300 people from the construction industry attended the award ceremony at the New Connaught Rooms on 30 November 2006.

Edgetech Sponsors Energy Efficiency Zone at Glassex

Edgetech, winner of the Energy Efficiency Initiative at the G06 awards, has announced it is to sponsor the new energy efficiency zone at Glassex.

The zone is designed to showcase products and services which can help tackle climate change. As well as sponsoring the zone, Edgetech has a stand showcasing its leading warm edge technology Super Spacer® too.

Andy Jones, Managing Director of Edgetech UK, comments: 'I am delighted that Edgetech is sponsoring the energy efficiency zone at Glassex. Al Gore's headline grabbing film, An Inconvenient Truth, has highlighted the need to reduce carbon emissions. This zone will showcase products and services which can significantly reduce carbon emissions and companies will be on hand to offer practical advice on how best to achieve energy efficient homes.'

It's Fifteen-to-One as Polyframe Scoops Multi-Million Homeserve Deal

Halifax super-fabricator Polyframe has achieved a major industry coup by securing a five-year contract - worth £15 million - to supply windows and doors to emergency call out and repair solutions provider, Homeserve.

Under the agreement, Polyframe will supply windows and doors - all fabricated from WHS Halo's chamfered 70mm Eclipse PCE suite - to Homeserve's entire nationwide network of 45 branches on a five-day lead time. Homeserve was founded as part of as an emergency repairs arm of South Staffordshire Water; devolving from the Group in 2004. It is now the UK's largest home assistance business in the country - delivering its services both on behalf of major companies and direct to the consumer.

Prior to sealing the deal, which took 18 months to clinch, Polyframe had trialled its products with Homeserve for three months and now becomes sole supplier to the company, which previously sourced its windows from 15 separate fabricators.

Mark Aylen, National Purchasing & Supply Manager at Homeserve, commenting on the deal said, ‘It was a major step for Homeserve to reduce its fabricator base from 15 to one; and award the contract on the five year basis. That said, we have been impressed with not only the quality of Polyframe's products; but also its unrelenting commitment to customer service. We are very much looking forward to working with them as our preferred supplier in this sector for years to come’.

Company founders - Martyn Buckley and Mario Earley - come from installation and engineering backgrounds respectively, and have a keen technical eye for what works in production and on site and have developed the group - over the last 12 years - accordingly. The business ethic revolves around offering a hard-working customer focussed team with the drive and enthusiasm to meet all its customer demands. This, linked with a professional and knowledgeable sales team, ensures Polyframe gives its customers a very high and consistent level of service.

Over the last few years Polyframe has invested over four million pounds into State-of-the-Art computer controlled machinery. The company has also invested a further half a million pounds on bar coding software to give complete control. Polyframe also gives its entire nationwide customer base access to its IT department, and many have had their own software - supplied by Polyframe - installed to further enhance their own businesses.

Tel: 01422 330460
Email: enquiries@polyframelimited.co.uk

Anglian Raises the Bar in Energy-Saving Windows

Window and door manufacturer Anglian Group has reinforced its commitment to the environment by ensuring the products manufactured are at the top end of the BFRC Window Energy Rating Scale.

Following a period of research at the company's own Research and Development facilities, Anglian has achieved a C rating for its standard production casement products from Industry accreditation organisation the BFRC (British Fenestration Rating Council). Whilst an E rated product is good enough to comply with current building regulations, Anglian's product development team wanted to achieve recognition for its products by the Energy Savings Trust (EST) which requires a C rating.

Continuing development work in this area has also seen the business achieve a B rated product certification when specified and has already identified what is needed to achieve an A where circumstances require it.

As a vertically integrated business, the Anglian Group says that it is in a unique position in the market to develop its product offering as the business controls all aspects of the process from product design, through its own extrusions, fabrication, glass processing and installation to client properties.

The WER achievements complement Anglian's unique work in recycling first generation end of life PVCu products into new products with a new value of their own.

Tel: 01603 428433
Email: darren.carter@angliangroup.com

New Installation at Cervoglass Set to Further Raise Standards

A recent investment worth approximately £100,000 in equipment from Hegla has further raised the production standards for Cervoglass. The conservatory roof glass manufacturer wanted to further automate the company's production facilities and increase productivity.

The Hegla range of products is the focus of the new installation at Cervoglass and includes a new auto racking system and automated glass cutting with edge deletion to accommodate the diverse types of soft coated and solar control glass that are handled at the company. Cervoglass has seen a steady increase in trading and this has resulted in the need to automate the previously labour intensive production methods.

Graham Price, Managing Director, stated that the state-of-the-art equipment has improved production quality, volume and service levels for customers.

A number of companies were considered by senior management at the company but it was decided that the Hegla equipment provided the most efficient and cost-effective solution for the company's needs.

The new equipment has already proved invaluable with the increased output at Cervoglass which can accommodate the full range of soft coated and coated glasses that are used.

Graham Price, Managing Director, Cervoglass comments, ‘As sales have increased considerably it has been vital to review production methods and expand our services. The Hegla reputation is first class and the automation facilities we now have will ensure that we maintain a leading market position.’

He continues, ‘For the Cervoglass team, it is vital to provide our customers with only the highest quality products and we believe that our reputation will be further enhanced by our association with the Hegla brand. We are now in a position to provide the best products on a consistent, daily basis which is imperative for the company and its customers.’

Steve Goble, Managing Director at Hegla comments, ‘We believe in developing strong working relations with clients and this can only be achieved by providing superior products and services.’

Cervoglass has already increased output significantly and the product range will be further diversified.

Vale Wins £150,000 Worth of Business via Ultraframe Website

Vale Conservatories, located in Staines, near London is reaping the rewards of joining the Guild Approved Ultra Installer Scheme. The company, which is celebrating two years of membership to the Scheme, has reported £15,000 worth of new business as a result of leads generated through the Ultraframe website.

The company found that the 'Find an Installer' page on Ultraframe's consumer website, http://www.ultraframe-conservatories.co.uk, was highly effective at generating new sales leads. Alex Fellow, Director at Vale Conservatories, commented: 'We are delighted with the conversion rate of new business that membership to the scheme has generated. In the past two years we have been referred over 50 times.'

The company has been trading for 15 years and installs up to six conservatories per week. Alex Fellows continued: 'Providing our customers with unbeatable quality is paramount to our continued success. Ultraframe is synonymous with superior engineering of conservatory roofing systems and by joining the Ultra Installer Scheme we can reassure our customers that they will receive a superior installation service too. This Scheme has given Vale a real competitive advantage - homeowners view it as an instant recognition of quality, the proof of which is in the new business secured.'

Mark Hanson, Marketing Manager at Ultraframe, said: 'We are delighted by the level of success being enjoyed by our members. Ultraframe, The Guild of Master Craftsmen and the BBA work in partnership with Ultra Installers to help them build their businesses and set higher industry standards, to enhance their reputations and credibility with homeowners. As part of the ongoing effort by Ultraframe to ensure the Scheme offers members the best competitive advantage, we are investing in the marketing and support of the Scheme to offer installers quality sales leads.'

As well as benefiting from sales leads, which are generated via Ultraframe's consumer website and call centre, Ultra Installers have access to a variety of business support benefits from the Guild of Master Craftsmen, such as chip & pin machine discounts and vehicle finance options. They also now have the unique opportunity to offer customers an Insurance Backed Guarantee at special rates negotiated by Ultraframe, as well as a Roof Certificate of Authenticity. The Certificate, available on all Ultraframe roofs, has been introduced by the company to combat the problem of disreputable companies passing off inferior products as Ultraframe roofs and gives homeowners peace of mind that they have received the top quality Ultraframe roof that they have paid for. The Ultra Installer Scheme also offers a comprehensive promotional and marketing support package to its members. Added value benefits include access to the exclusive Marketing Toolbox, which helps members to build further awareness and sales by creating personalised marketing campaigns with minimal effort.

Alex Fellows of Vale conservatories concluded: 'The external accreditation that Vale receives through the Ultra Installer Scheme is invaluable in terms of instilling homeowner confidence in our company. We will also be participating in regular training as part of the Scheme to ensure that we are always up to date on industry developments and that our skilled fitting team maintains our high standards of installation and service.'

For further information or to request an application pack visit http://www.ultraframe.com or call 0845 634 0688

Sustainable Solution for Green Housebuilder

Looking for external timber door-sets for its development in Devon, green housebuilder, Grace Developments turned to Manse Masterdor ltd because of its environmentally friendly product - the Masterdor.

The development in Teignmouth is made up of 34 four and five bedroom detached properties, located close to the sea, on the highest hill in the area. The made to measure Masterdor has three door seals, an ideal feature for areas exposed to the sea. The door-set achieved an exposure category of over 800 special with a mobility threshold, providing one of the most airtight door-sets on the market.

The Masterdor is also engineered from renewable timber material, which utilises converted coppiced cropwood, specifically grown for this purpose in managed forests. All timber used in Masterdor construction conforms to L.A. 21 sustainability requirements.

Grace Developments' managing director, Geoffrey Smith, comments, ‘As a housebuilder, we recognise the importance of protecting the environment by building sustainable developments, from the brick framework, to rain water recycling systems, right down to the fixtures and fittings. For this development, we required doors that were considerate to the exposed location, engineered from timber, providing the best renewable source, and were made to measure to limit waste. The Masterdor provided us with an ideal solution, which was also high security and aesthetically pleasing.’

Manse Masterdor ltd's retail manager, Paul Carrier, says, ‘We continually work with our customers to provide bespoke door-sets that best suit their needs. The Masterdor product has clear advantages, not only in terms of proven performance, but also in terms of social and environmental responsibility.’

Manse Masterdor ltd says that it provides the largest range of Secured by Design door-sets on the market, as well as the Masterdor double door. Masterdors exceeded PAS23/24 BSi tests, meet the requirements of Part M of the building regulations, and fire-check versions have also been successfully tested to BS476 Part 22.

Sash UK's Sales are Up as Global Interest Soars

Despite the struggling times the UK industry is facing, which has seen many companies failing to keep their heads above the water, Sash UK is making big waves globally to drive sales significantly higher than last year...disproving the popular theory that British glazing companies seldom look beyond these shores.

With its non-commercial order intake for doors & windows up 38% on this time last year, and its order intake for conservatories up by 13%, Sash says that it is truly riding out the storm with resounding success in all areas of its business. But the company's success doesn't just relate to its activities within the UK market place. Due to the commercial capabilities and versatility of the business, Sash has been able to cultivate and sustain itself in overseas markets, particularly the United States where the company has dominated the luminatrium market for many years.

It is through these ongoing activities that Sash has seen the recent surge of interest in its product range on a global scale, with countries as far reaching as Japan enquiring about its many door and window products, as well as Egypt, Dubai and Australia showing an interest in its luminatrium range. And in countries such as Cyprus, where business opportunities have already been established, the Sash name continues to grow in popularity seeing a fourth company signing up to receive its conservatory range.

So what is Sash's secret to its ongoing success? ‘A company's success is only truly measured by its achievements, particularly in testing times,’ says David Ruzicka, joint Managing Director of Sash UK. ‘The Sash name has been built on very strong foundations that has enabled our business to go from strength to strength, even though the UK industry in general is considered to be on a downturn. It is these strong foundations that have given Sash the leverage in which to move into other market arenas, widening our scope to build our business and reputation on an international level. Although we are still heavily focused on the UK, we have to recognise that the market has changed and it is essential for us to look overseas. I have always believed it is important to keep the Sash name in the international spotlight, and from that we are now drawing strength and generating new business.’

Chief Executive to Spearhead Shepley's Next Chapter

Not only is Shepley Window Systems celebrating its 20th anniversary but new chief executive Mark Buckley is already planning the next chapter in the Group's development.

Mark has been promoted to this new position at the Shepley Group which includes Shepley Window Systems and Interframe, having worked as the Group's finance director for the last 12 months.

For the last 20 years Shepley has grown into one of the UK's largest trade fabricators and now with a wider product range the company is capable of offering the trade installer far more than ever.

The company has recently enhanced its product range with the introduction of the Visage composite door, vertical sliding window and in-line patio door in response to customer demand. Interframe continues to build on the success at Shepley and operates a number of trade counter branches across Southern England.

Mark comments:

‘I have moved into the Shepley Group to help shape the future development of the business and this includes our recent strategic decision to move into the commercial sector.

'We have a great customer base and fantastic staff and this can only be great news as we develop our product and service offerings. We are working on a number of projects within the business and these will make for exciting reading. I'm really looking forward to building on our past successes in the next chapter for the Shepley Group.’

Tel: 0161 339 2433
Email: tim.walker@shepley.com

Brand Re-Launch Sparks Installer Interest

Sarnafil Roof Assured has reported a significant increase in interest for its flat roofing solutions from window and conservatory installers, since its recent brand re-launch.

The company already has a nationwide network of over 60 installers and this is set to increase with a number of high profile installation companies already expressing a genuine interest in adding a flat roofing solution to their existing product portfolio.

Mark Harris, marketing manager for Sarnafil (pictured) comments: ‘Market conditions are ripe for installers looking to add to their product offerings. Some of our most successful installers are those that already offer windows, doors and conservatories and judging by the recent increase in interest, we expect to add a number of high profile and quality-led companies to our network of Registered Installers.’

As the glass and glazing industries remain in a difficult position, Sarnafil feels that the future lies in diversification. While some of the large direct sell companies have moved into loft conversions, garages etc many industry commentators feel that the independent installer will become a more rounded and broader home improvement specialist.

Mark concludes: ‘This is a very exciting time at Sarnafil Roof Assured and for those installers looking at the flat roofing market. We've got a £10bn market to address and if you have the desire to succeed and would like to be part of it, we want to hear from you!’

Tel: 01603 748985
Email: mark.harris@sarnafil.co.uk

Conservatory Outlet Increases Frame Production

The latest figures from Conservatory Outlet, the bolt-on brand for small to medium sized companies looking to add or increase sales in conservatories, prove that becoming a dealer really does help companies grow.

Frame production figures for week 40 to week 45 of 2005 compared to the same period in 2006 show a rise from 1744 frames to 3055 frames - an increase of 75%. With existing dealers growing and new dealers joining, frame production has grown from 300 frames a week to over 600 frames a week.

Conservatory Outlet's Managing Director Matthew Glover comments: ‘Our aim is to help dealers increase sales and these latest figures show that Conservatory Outlet dealers have grown since they joined. We help them achieve this by providing them with comprehensive marketing support. Our 10% scheme, whereby 10% of the money a dealer spends on frames is given back to them to spend on marketing, allows dealers to increase sales via internet, radio and traditional advertising. It is simple: you grow, we grow. It's a win: win relationship.’

Tel: 01924 239813
Email: sales@conservatoryoutlet.co.uk

Prosecution Follows Death of Worker who Fell Four Storeys while Replacing Windows

The HSE is warning the construction industry of the dangers of working at height following the death of a man who fell while replacing windows. Christopher Lucas from Bennetts End, Hemel Hempstead has been fined £15,000 at City of London Magistrates Court on 27th November following the death of Steven Sinclair from Watford in a prosecution brought by the Health and Safety Executive.

Christopher Lucas runs a Double Glazing window replacement company called Four Seasons. 40-year-old Steven Sinclair and another man were employed by Mr Lucas to replace double-glazed windows on 3rd October 2005. The work was being done between the 3rd and 4th floor of a residential apartment block in Flat 44, Greville Hall, Greville Place, London NW6. The glass was very heavy and as the men lifted it into place they and the glass all fell 11m to the ground. Steven Sinclair was taken to hospital but died later that day.

Christopher Lucas pleaded guilty to a breach of Section 3(2) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Adequate means had not been used to prevent the men from falling and Christopher Lucas was not aware of the minimum legal requirements for working at height.

Following the trial at the City of London Magistrates Court on 27th November 2006, HSE Inspector Lisa Chappell said,

'The risks of working at height are well-known, yet falls remain the most common cause of death and injury in the construction industry. Mr Sinclair's family are grieving the loss of a son and brother following a fatal accident that could easily have been prevented. This case highlights once again the absolute necessity for work at height to be properly planned, and for equipment such as guard rails, barriers or harnesses to be used where appropriate.'

There is a hierarchy of means to protect people working at height. Under the Working at Height Regulations, a window ledge needs to be between 810-950mm high.

Glyngary Invests in New Machinery

Glyngary, the UK manufacturer of REHAU-Heritage vertically sliding sash windows, has invested almost £150,000 in new machinery for its 14,000 sq ft Warrington factory.

The machinery includes a new double headed saw and copy routers specifically for the new REHAU-Heritage system; as well as a 6-sided cutter and sanders for Glyngary's range of timber sash windows.

Glyn Yates, the company's Sales and Marketing Director, says the investment is intended to increase both Glyngary's productivity and its capacity. He says: ‘The new machinery should enable us to produce more windows more quickly which in turn will mean shorter lead times for customers.

‘Demand for the new REHAU-Heritage remains strong so we want to be able to step up production to keep pace with that.’

Glyngary has been based at its Warrington facility since 1985 and has had a policy of continuous investment to keep the plant at the very forefront of vertical slider manufacture in both PVC-U and timber.

During 2006, Glyngary refurbished its office area so that it is now a showcase for the company's joinery skills and in 2007, it plans to invest in new toilet and washroom facilities specifically for customers and office-based members of staff.

Bellway Chooses Pultec

Housebuilder Bellway specified Pultec windows and French doors for the Bishop's Corner development of contemporary one and two bedroom apartments in the Hulme district of Manchester.

Manchester city planners looked to Bellway to provide a distinctive, architecturally innovative building for this final phase in an urban regeneration programme.

Bellway chose Pultec because it is load bearing, like aluminium, but has better thermal insulation. Its through-colour construction doesn't show surface marks and scratches - dark blue was used on the outside at Bishop's Corner, with white for the interiors - and it was able to accommodate a high level of acoustic glazing and sound insulation. Bellway also found it to be cost-effective compared with aluminium.

This is the first time that Bellway has specified Pultec, the new generation of high performance window profile, and is looking at the possibility of using it in other developments, including eco-friendly housing because of its impeccable environmental credentials.

Pultec's window systems are manufactured from fibre reinforced polymer (FRP), the building material of the future, according to BRE, and the new alternative to PVCu and aluminium.

Everlite Success at Trims Ltd

Trade counter, Trims Ltd has just completed a successful first year selling the Everlite Enduro low pitch roof solution.

The company took the Enduro product on board to offer a cost-effective low pitch solution and judging by the sales of the first year it has been a complete success.

Managing director, of Trims Ltd, Mike Redshaw comments:

‘Our customers now ask for Enduro by name and we've taken business from our competitors by offering this product. It is well proven and backed by some great support materials in the depots. Let's just hope the next 12 months are just as successful!’

Everlite has recently completed an exhaustive testing programme for the Enduro low pitch roofing solution which included specific weather testing in Arizona and Scandinavia.

The result is a material specification that is stronger, performs better in extreme temperatures and provides a more consistent colour between panels.

Everlite Enduro can span up to 4m, using the new super strength locking bars, provides a 'U' value of just 1.85 and is extruded with a unique ultra violet protection layer.

The product has also been designed with the installer in mind thanks to the minimum number of components and features such as a pre-cut drip nose to improve installation times.

Enduro is available in 2.0m, 2.5m, 3.0m, 4.0m and 6.0m lengths and comes complete with a wide range of accessories to ensure that the installer has everything needed for a simple and speedy installation.

Tel: 01604 790780
Email: gphillips@everlite.co.uk

New Look Fabricates REHAU Pivot Window

New Look Windows of Rochdale is looking to establish itself as a specialist manufacturer of pivot windows in the REHAU profile system.

The company is supplying replacement pivot windows to Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council for a number of properties in its housing stock and has invested in the tooling, stockholding and specialist training necessary to fulfil the contract.

The response to this initiative from other fabricators has been so positive that New Look has taken the decision to begin supplying the windows to trade customers looking to target other similar contracts.

Walter Lopacki, New Look's Managing Director, said: ‘Pivots are specialist frames which very few of the high volume manufacturers have the time or the commitment to fabricate. Even medium sized companies often don't want to manufacture the small quantities normally involved.

‘However, there is still demand in the market for the windows, particularly in the REHAU system, and we believe we can capitalise on this by providing a reliable, high quality manufacturing service to fabricators and installers who need a quantity of pivots as part of a bigger contract.’

New Look can provide a nationwide delivery service to the trade on pivot windows above a specific order quantity.

New Customers Flock to Reflex Glass

Reflex Glass has reported that sales of its specialist high performance solar control conservatory glass have passed the £2 million mark, as the company now enters into an extremely busy final Quarter.

Managing Director Scott Nicholas (pictured) says, ‘The uptake on new customers has been fantastic this Autumn, following a very busy hot Summer. With new customers ranging from conservatory installers through to roof fabricators, the company is enjoying particularly good growth over what has been a difficult period for many in the industry.

‘Part of the reason of course,’ explains Scott, ‘is that when times became tough, instead of cutting back on promotional work, Reflex Glass only stepped up a gear. Powerful branding with a unique focus on solar control performance has been key to the massive growth of Reflex Glass over the last two years.

‘Our sales team is also making full use of the new networked CRM software to ensure that every sales lead that comes into any of our distributors is followed up quickly and professionally. Sales enquiries are coming in all the time from a number of marketing initiatives ranging from the Internet and using the trade journals, to ads in the Sunday Times colour supplement.’

Reflex Glass directs any retail business to its local trade customers in the relevant part of the country.

‘Many roof fabricators are impressed with the range of conservatory glass options available from Reflex: from the budget Sunkleen glass which features Pilkington's Activ Blue, through to the high performance Reflex clear solar control products that feature a 20 year unit warranty,’ adds Scott.

Tel: 0116 269 6297
Email: sales@reflexglass.co.uk
Web: http://www.reflexglass.co.uk

Hydro opens North Atlantic office in Reykjavik

Hydro has opened an office in Reykjavik to support its strategy of repositioning and growth in its primary aluminium activities.

Hydro has for several years been conducting business in Iceland, both within the Aluminium Metal and the Oil & Energy areas. Hydro is presently involved in supplying technology to the Nordural aluminium plant, and has also delivered technology to the hydrogen filling station that today supplies Icelandic buses with emission-free fuel.

'Hydro is able to build on its position as a technology leader in the aluminium industry,' says the new head of the North Atlantic office, Bjarne Reinholdt (pictured). 'Hydro's captive aluminium reduction technology also leads the field when it comes to environmental performance in the aluminium industry. Hydro also supplies technology for aluminium casting.'

Global energy demand will increase by 60 percent by the year 2030. Hydro is involved in the energy sector worldwide, both as a consumer, producer (hydroelectric power, oil and gas, wind power) and technology developer (oil and gas exploration, development and operations, hydrogen production, CO2 capture, land-based and offshore windmills, wave energy, biomass as well as fuel cells and solar power).

Hydro furthermore expects global primary aluminium demand to double by 2020. Aluminum is one of the most environmentally friendly materials available. In addition, its special properties, low weight and strength make it a competitive material for the future. Hydro will therefore pursue new primary aluminium opportunities in areas around the world where competitive power sources can be found.

'Hydro's ambition in opening an office in Iceland is to mature new business opportunities in primary aluminium, strengthen the support of our existing activities and to focus on the further sustainable development of our business areas together with the people of Icelandic.'

Hydro Invests in Solar Energy Company Norsun

Hydro is investing NOK 150 million in the solar energy company Norsun, which is planning to set up a plant in Årdal for the production of monocrystalline silicon wafers for solar cells.

‘We find the solar energy market fascinating. The Norsun investment gives Hydro an even broader and more forward-looking portfolio for renewable energy,’ said President and CEO Eivind Reiten in a speech held at Hydro's energy seminar in Bergen's Grieghalle on Tuesday.

Monocrystalline silicon wafers are made of pure silicon and used in the manufacture of energy-efficient solar cells and panels. The silicon wafers will be sold on the international solar energy market.

Hydro will hold a minority share in the company, which is also thinking of investing in complementary solar energy technologies. Norsun was started up by Alf Bjørseth, well-known within the international solar energy community. He also founded the Renewable Energy Corporation (REC).

In his energy seminar speech, Reiten emphasised the fact that Hydro already has a broad new energy portfolio. He pointed out that Hydro is one of the major players in Norwegian wind power, adding that the company is participating in a number of hydrogen projects in Europe and currently looking into the possibility of producing biodiesel from wood. Hydro has also invested in the wave power company Ocean Power Delivery, which will build the world's first commercial wave power plant off the coast of Portugal.

‘We believe we will be seeing a broad mix of energy forms in the years to come. Wind, bio, solar and hydrogen will represent important supplements to oil, gas and coal,’ said Reiten.

At last year's energy seminar Hydro presented Hywind, a new concept involving floating windmills attached to floating concrete constructions as used in the North Sea oil industry. Hydro was recently licensed to position a floating windmill in the sea off Karmøy.

Finesse Windows Helps Police with their Enquiries

Finesse Windows Ltd, the Kings Norton based window and conservatory manufacturer, is helping police in Brownhills, West Midlands, with their enquiries. These enquiries can come from both the general public and industry, and relate to the standards of security they should incorporate into an installation of PVCu windows, doors or a conservatory.

In August 2006, Neighbourhood Watch published a discussion they had with David Bown, Sales and Marketing Director for Finesse Windows, the basis of which developed the opportunity homeowners have to incorporate quality security standards into the installations of their new windows and doors or conservatory. It also highlighted the fact that many homeowners are not aware of the products available.

Following on from this article, PC Darren Robbins, who works for West Midlands Police at the Community Safety House in Brownhills, contacted David Bown. The result of their meeting was for Finesse Windows to build a conservatory at the site in Brownhills, destined to become a 'Centre of Excellence for Crime Reduction.' The conservatory incorporated Police Security by Design standards, designed and built to the Code of Practice for Conservatory Construction, as outlined in the recent draft document from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

‘It disappoints me when I see many companies still ignoring security when they promote their products,’ says David Bown. ‘It seems few have taken the time to have their windows tested to the BSI security standards BS7950, and I wonder how many fail to incorporate proper reinforcement in all their windows and doors.

‘We have published a copy of the Neighbourhood Watch Article on the news section of our web site at http://www.finesse-windows.co.uk. People who do not have access to the web can call us and we will be happy to make a copy of this article available to them,’ he added.

The Community Safety House in Brownhills is now open for visitors, where information can be found on a wide range of home and commercial security products. Police officers are in attendance and are there to help and advise on security and crime reduction. The house is located next door to Brownhills Police Station, Chester Road North, Brownhills, WS8 7JW.

Homeowners will be pleased to know that the standards incorporated into the conservatory built at the Community Safety House are the same standards that all Finesse Windows products are built to, and that Finesse Windows only install products that meet the Police Security by Design standards.

Finesse would like to thank Swish, Ultraframe, West Heath Glass, Maitland Roofs and Creative Tiles for their assistance in completing this project.

Alcoa Foundation Donates $100,000 to Gettysburg Foundation

The Alcoa Foundation recently donated $100,000 to the Gettysburg Foundation to assist the Foundation with the environmental sustainability of the new Museum and Visitor Centre at Gettysburg National Military Park.

‘We are tremendously grateful for this generous gift,’ said Gettysburg Foundation President Robert C. Wilburn. ‘We are committed to preserving this landscape and providing visitors with an understanding of what happened here and how those events are relevant in today's world. This gift allows us to be one step closer to achieving our goals.’

The Gettysburg Foundation is working in partnership with the National Park Service to build a new Museum and Visitor Centre at Gettysburg; the new facility will open in spring 2008.

‘Alcoa Foundation is pleased to play a part in the enhancement and preservation of this significant landmark in American history.
Conservation and sustainability is an Alcoa Foundation Area of Excellence, so we are truly pleased to be involved with this unique and functional, self-sustainable landscape preservation and restoration project,’ said Meg McDonald, president of Alcoa Foundation.

The Gettysburg Foundation is committed to an environmentally sustainable building and site, which includes landscape preservation and restoration. As an example, preservation of as many wetland areas on the site as possible - for the 0.682 acres of wetlands that will be disturbed by the new facilities, the Foundation is restoring almost three times that amount - 1.912 acres. This includes creation of new wetlands as part of the restoration of the portion of the Guinn Run stream bed corridor that runs near the new Museum and Visitor Centre.

For more information about the Gettysburg Foundation, please call 1-866-889-1243 or visit http://www.gettysburgfoundation.org.

Col-Secure Wins New Contracts

Whilst there is a demise in national and local competition the management team at Col-Secure Facades Limited remains positively focused on the future and continues to drive the business from strength to strength. The company continues to sustain excellent forward order levels with repeat business from regional and national contractors.

Amongst £1.5m of recently awarded contracts include a Schüco curtain walling project at Hazeley Middle School in Milton Keynes and PFI contracts at five Barnsley schools through Carillion Regional Building.

Col-Secure has also recently been awarded the contract to provide windows and curtainwalling to the new Innovation Centre at Longbridge, through contractors John Sisk and Son. The building is the start of the regeneration of its 342-acre site. The Innovation Centre, will house newly established technology based businesses and is the start of a commitment to the future of Longbridge with the aim to eventually create 10,000 new jobs following the demise of MG Rover.

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