UK: Two Sika-Trocal projects were nominated in the single ply category of the NFRC UK Roofing Awards 2015.

At Lancaster and Morecambe College, a Fully Adhered Type SGK membrane was applied by MAC Roofing to re-cover an existing roof as part of a Euro20.6m redevelopment. For the second phase of the project, the renovation of a complex 3000m2 domed roof situated on required a high performance and flexible membrane. Due to the age of the building, the failing felt roof had failed to meet BREEAM requirements and expected U-values.

On a smaller scale, a new-build four bedroom house in Hammersmith, London incorporates a unique roofing solution. Designed to accommodate restrictions on the use of exterior windows in the perimeter wall, the roof included seven pyramids of varying sizes with a vaulted roof light in each section. With such a complex pyramid design, a neat finish around the edges was crucial. The mechanically fixed Sika-Trocal S system proved to be the optimum roofing solution for contractor Ithaca Roofing.

US: Installed Building Products has acquired Layman Brothers Contracting based in Powhatan, Virginia and Bluegrass Insulation of Bowling Green, Kentucky.

US: Carlisle SynTec Systems, a major manufacturer and supplier of premium roofing products, has formed a strategic partnership with Columbia Green Technologies, a leading supplier of roof garden components. The partnership provides customers with single-source solutions for the entire roof garden system.

"Carlisle is committed to providing comprehensive building envelope solutions that meet the unique challenges associated with sustainable design," said Michael DuCharme, Carlisle's director of product marketing. "Together, Carlisle and Columbia Green will provide expert design assistance, high-performance materials and industry-leading warranties," said DuCharme.

"We are excited to partner with Carlisle. Columbia Green offers innovative green roof systems engineered for stormwater management and optimal plant health. Our partnership allows Carlisle to offer a single-source warranty that inspires confidence in the implementation of our systems," said Vanessa Keitges, president and CEO of Columbia Green Technologies.

Roof gardens, also known as green roofs or vegetative roofs, provide numerous environmental benefits, including enhanced stormwater management, improved air and water quality, reduction of the urban heat island effect and decreased energy consumption.

Saudi Arabia: Saudi International Petrochemical Company (Sipchem) has commenced commercial operation of a cable insulation polymers plant owned by Gulf Advanced Cables Insulation Company, a Sipchem affiliate, at its complex in Jubail Industrial City.

The plant produces several types of cable insulation polymers that are used to fabricate electrical cable insulation materials. Gulf Advanced Cables Insulation Company will market the products. Such specialised products are considered part of the company's strategy to execute comprehensive transformation projects in addition to its existing products. The raw materials, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), will be provided by International Polymers Company (IPC), a Sipchem affiliate. The plant will meet local and global demand.