Electricity kills – landlords deserve clarity around safety

The Housing and Planning Act has made it on to the statute books and it includes electrical safety provisions for the private rented sector. Phil Buckle, director general of campaigning consumer charity Electrical Safety First, explains why electrical checks are necessary. Electricity kills one... View Article

A smart choice for rainwater and eaves systems

Specifying cheaper products is a false economy Ongoing maintenance requirements are a huge area of expense for social housing builders and operators, so choosing durable materials and products is a must. Brian Bell of Marley Alutec, explains how to get the balance... View Article

A hot topic: choosing smoke, heat and CO alarms

When specifying for housing developments – be they public or private sector – there can be no greater concern than tenant safety. With this in mind, it’s crucial to be aware of the most effective smoke, heat and carbon monoxide... View Article

Giving old multi-storeys a new lease of life

They may have been the necessary solution to post–war housing shortages, but concrete multi-storey buildings’ structural integrity has come back to haunt planners and maintenance teams. Nic Collins of Sika explains how they can be made fit for the future.... View Article

Don’t slip up: effective choices for communal spaces

Beware taking the cheap option when it comes to busy communal spaces – it could prove to be a false economy. Martyn West of Altro advises on how to make informed specification choices based on safety, durability and reducing maintenance... View Article

Smart lighting management

New generation monitoring and management systems for indoor lighting and LED solutions are bringing significant benefits to social housing. Tim McKernan from Harvard Technology explains. Lighting, which can accounts for as much as 40 per cent of a building’s electricity bill, has... View Article

Restoring pride in social housing

Building more homes is higher on the agenda than ever before, but future-proofing must be top priority for management teams, explains William McDowell of Rockpanel Group. Social housing tower blocks are easily one of the most controversial elements of post-war... View Article

Solar success: why PV systems are a win for landlords

Energy efficiency continues to be a hot topic for property as housing providers gear up to meet rigorous efficiency rules. John Forster, Chairman of Solar Trade Association Scotland, reveals how solar roofing can improve homes and lives. Despite the UK government’s commitment... View Article

Preparing for winter with resilient properties

In recent years there has been significant damage to many properties as a result of harsh and persistent wintry weather. Flooding has been high up on the agenda with a national flood resilience review having been commissioned by the Department... View Article

Future is green: building envelopes and energy efficiency

Simon Wild, European Category Marketing Manager at Formica Group, discusses the importance of building envelopes in combatting carbon emissions and their role in energy efficiency. On a global scale residential and commercial buildings are estimated to contribute approximately 31.5 per cent of carbon... View Article

Feature: Wiping off the cost of maintenance

Industrial strength wipes can be a part of your overall cost saving strategy when it comes to housing association management and maintenance teams, explains Corinna Palin, International Marketing Manager of Big Wipes. According to the latest Health and Safety Executive... View Article

Potterton: Tackling fuel poverty with sustainable solutions

For the landlords of social housing, leaving a legacy has always been a core objective. But what options are available to housing associations aiming to tackle fuel poverty and support communities today? Bill Jones, sales director at Potterton considers what it... View Article