With pipe leaks and thefts continuing to impact utility provision in UK buildings, REHAU is launching a new CPD for building services professionals exploring the future trends and innovations of different pipe materials and technologies for plumbing and heating.
According to Water Intelligence, escape of water was responsible for 42% of all UK building insurance claims in 2023-24, with water damage incidents remaining the leading cause of insurable loss during construction projects.[1] Similarly, the BauWatch UK Construction Crime Index revealed earlier in 2024 that seven in 10 construction workers witness theft as regularly as once a year, delaying at least one third of projects.[2]
With these pressing concerns in mind, REHAU has launched its latest CPD exploring different pipe materials, including traditional metals, push-fit polymers, polypropylene and multilayer pipes with and without O-rings. It evaluates these options in detail, covering pipework for risers, corridors and apartments, how fittings have evolved in line with EU drinking water directives, and how trends in off-site construction have impacted the market.
“With new innovations across the market, we wanted to help contractors better understand the pros and cons of different pipe materials and how and why they have evolved over time, through our latest CIBSE approved CPD,” says Steve Richmond, Head of Marketing & Technical – Building Solutions at REHAU.
“This new CPD explores how fittings have changed to reduce lead content, as well as the latest trends in off-site and pre-fabrication for building services pipework. It is important that all plumbing and heating professionals involved in construction are aware of how the landscape is shifting, and considering these adjustments, what components and fittings best suit specific projects.”
The CPD goes on to explore the latest sustainability trends in the sector and how the circular economy is impacting pipework specification. This includes an exploration of bio-based polymer, discussing the raw materials and feedstocks behind them, how they are used, and the importance of global circular economy certifications such as ISCC PLUS. It also covers the topic of Environmental Product Declarations, and their use in building Whole Life Carbon Assessments and life cycle assessments.
“All aspects of a building, from its fabric to its constituent components, impact how sustainable the structure is,” Steve concludes. “Pipework is no exception – from carbon emissions generated in freight, to long-term reliability and application, they are key to facilitating greener practices and contributing towards buildings that are fit for the future.
“This is why sustainability is such a prominent topic within our latest CPD. Any specified components need to show a tangible contribution towards lowering emissions, so it is integral buildings services professionals are aware of all necessary considerations during specification. I would therefore encourage contractors to get in touch and sign up for this CPD and find out more about sustainable heating and plumbing pipework specification.”
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