Tackling the M&E knowledge gap in the framework world

With M&E works normally being undertaken by a subcontractor, these professionals traditionally hold a position within wider supplier chains. However, particularly when awarded work via a framework, M&E organisations can also hold a project lead role. A knowledge gap in this market is now emerging when it comes to these businesses maximising frameworks and resources. Here, Rebecca Oglesby, Framework Manager at Pagabo, reflects on this pattern being observed and how it is leading to missed opportunities.

Water supply systems in tall buildings can be complex, and with a growing number of modern systems with different materials and jointing methods…

Stefan Lay, Product Manager for Cooling and Heating at Swegon UK&I, explains why a holistic approach that incorporates the right…

As modern infrastructure changes and water usage and demand evolve, efficient and reliable cold water storage solutions become increasingly…

Mike Egan, Business Development Manager, Corporate Sales at Mitsubishi Electric, highlights the importance of upgrading the UK’s schools in order…

MBS discovers how Nu Construction successfully completed a refurbishment project for a Grade II listed Victorian mansion in West…

The new Labour administration quickly committed itself to ‘get Britain building again’, but will it also recognise the contribution the building…



Partners

Johnson Controls has announced the expansion of production capacity at its plant in Izmir, Turkey. 

Continuing its expansion and growth strategy, Elta has invested in two new machines to streamline and improve its manufacturing capabilities. This comes on the back of the air movement specialist’s 50th anniversary.

Green Point UK, BITZER UK’s compressor remanufacturing and services arm, has introduced a specialist support service for refrigeration contractors responsible for maintaining cooling systems based on screw compressors.

With M&E works normally being undertaken by a subcontractor, these professionals traditionally hold a position within wider supplier chains. However, particularly when awarded work via a framework, M&E organisations can also hold a project lead role. A knowledge gap in this market is now emerging when it comes to these businesses maximising frameworks and resources. Here, Rebecca Oglesby, Framework Manager at Pagabo, reflects on this pattern being observed and how it is leading to missed opportunities.

The new Labour administration quickly committed itself to ‘get Britain building again’, but will it also recognise the contribution the building services industry can make to addressing the huge social issues of health and wellbeing? David Frise, CEO of BESA, looks at the main issues that need to be addressed.

MBS recently sat down with CIBSE Technical Director Dr Anastasia Mylona to discuss her role in shaping the institution’s technical agenda and tackling key industry challenges.

David Stonehouse, Technical Director at NG Bailey IT Services, explains what building managers need to know about the PSTN switch off.

Chris Goggin explains how “Kaizen” and “Kanban” methodologies provide insight to the high standards of production values that globally renowned Japanese brands embed into the totality of the manufacturing practices.

According to the latest government data, the UK has around 380,000 listed buildings. While owners have the benefit of living or working in property deemed to have special architectural or historical interest and, in some cases, being of national importance, renovating these prestigious buildings in a way that preserves their heritage can be a highly complex process. Tony Pollard, Contracts Manager at Nu Construction, explores the  complexities of renovating listed buildings and the benefits of working with a trusted and established heritage construction specialist.

The number of commercial and industrial buildings installing photovoltaic systems is growing exponentially. Chris Cowling, Commercial Director at Aztec Solar, explains how to get the specification and installation right for now and the long term.

When considering energy in education, most people immediately associate it with ‘cost’: the optimisation of energy efficiency to save money. Graeme Shaw, Technical Director at Zumtobel Group, UK and Ireland, discusses his campaign for an imperative shift in this focus – from a cost driven approach where educational facilities ‘light by numbers’ to meet a standard or conserve energy to places with student wellbeing at their core.

A high-tech energy-saving project at a prominent Dublin office building has helped bring about a 76% reduction in energy demand and been officially recognised by the Irish Government.

Griff Thomas, Managing Director at GTEC & Heatly, both part of the United Living Group, looks at the positive landscape for heat pump engineers and why anyone still on the fence should really ignore last ditch attempts of sabotage by the heat pump hating section of the UK media.

The UK is way behind when it comes to heat pump adoption. At the top of the leader board last year was France with 500,000* installs, we sat at around 60,000, falling well short of our own heat pumps targets. Paul Smith, Managing Director of NIBE, considers the factors stalling take-up and what we can learn from more energetic markets.

With the building sector striving to meet Net Zero targets, there is a strong demand for sustainable energy solutions to replace existing heating systems for light commercial, industrial and large residential buildings. Paul Taylor – UK Head of Renewable Heating for Panasonic Heating & Cooling Solutions, explains how a water based heat pump system can provide a lower carbon, energy efficient solution for various applications.

Matthew Blackmore, Head of Business Development at Armstrong Fluid Technology, discusses potential benefits in applying new approaches to pump replacement.

Caroline Ayres, Director at the BPF Pipes Group, provides some detailed advice for protecting drinking water quality in brownfield sites.

As modern infrastructure changes and water usage and demand evolve, efficient and reliable cold water storage solutions become increasingly critical. Cold water storage tanks consistently supply potable and non-potable water for domestic, commercial and industrial uses. Here, Tricel provides a helpful guide to enhancing cold water storage in modern infrastructure.

David Millward, Group Product Manager at Elta Fans, explains that sensor technology is crucial to delivering Part F Building Regulations and raising the standards of indoor air quality.

With many hospitals now addressing longer waiting lists, pressure on laboratory facilities has never been so intense, says Ian Thomas of TROX UK

Spotlight on Smart Mechanical Ventilation (SMV) - insights shared by Jonathon Hunter Hill of AirMaster SMV

There are currently well over 1,000 Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) in England, all of which manage at least two schools – 29 of these overseeing 26 schools or more. With safe, efficient and healthy buildings key to supporting education, comfort and wellbeing for both pupils and teachers, MATs must meet the challenge of ensuring high standards across multiple sites. Steve McGregor, Managing Director of the DMA Group, explains the role overarching service management software has in supporting this popular education model.

Building controls have the potential to reduce energy use, support carbon reductions and reduce running costs, says Mark McLoughlin

Connectivity in smart buildings has huge business value. Mike Hook explains. 

Only one-in-five buildings have an BMS system to regulate and oversee their inner workings, and so most commercial buildings operate at a Class C energy efficiency level. Stuart Smith of Zehnder looks at how to improve performance. 

‘Smart Buildings’ are no longer something that simply conjures images out of science fiction movies, says Mark Sutcliffe of Lorne Stewart.

Nick Robinson, Managing Partner at Beyond ESG, looks at how technological innovations are transforming our buildings, offering tangible commercial benefits that go beyond energy savings. Connected by IoT and supported by data science, the modern digitised building boasts unparalleled levels of control and monitoring.

Mike Gosling TIFireE, Technical Director at TROX UK, looks at the new guidance for meeting Building Safety Act 2022 requirements.

Katherine Morton, Regional Design Lead at Stepnell, explains how to optimise project outcomes when considering taking a new or refurb route for public sector buildings.

Rob Erwood, Commercial Sales and Specification Director at Baxi, looks at some of the ways manufacturers can help support the drive for net zero buildings.

Steve Richmond, Head of Marketing and Technical Building Solutions at REHAU UK, discusses the possibilities with offsite construction.

Using modern methods of construction and prefabrication enabled a housing association to refurbish one of its high-rise residential tower blocks

Demand for packaged plant and modular construction is continuing to grow. Here, Roger Hoskins of Conex Bänninger discusses the opportunities for the HVAC industry and offers some tips for achieving a successful offsite project specification.

Derek Parker, Business Development Director at Artic Building Services, discusses how data-led maintenance transforms hard FM.

Mark Dowson, Buro Happold shares why Newcastle University is known for its pioneering spirit

Toby Hunt from Guardian Water Treatment explains the potential problems posed by dormant water systems and how to safely bring a site out of mothballing.

Workplace interiors started changing BC (before Covid). Fast-forward to 2024, and they have prompted a paradigm shift. Sophie Parry CEng MIET FSLL, Head of the UK Academy at TRILUX, discusses this shift and what constitutes good lighting for today’s working environments.

A primary school in Leipzig, Germany trial TRILUX Opendo LED with CO2 sensor

TRILUX Lighting is proud to announce its recent success in the Build Back Better Awards Autumn edition. 

Mark Grayston, Product Strategy and Delivery Manager at Mitsubishi Electric, explains why efficient cooling for buildings must be a core focus.

Ruth MacEachern, Product Manager at EnviroVent, addresses the challenges faced in integrating mechanical ventilation systems in ever more airtight homes, including Passivhaus.

Alex Hill, Managing Director at international building services design consultancy, Whitecode Consulting, looks at new government regulation to reduce overheating and the best solutions to prevent overheating in our homes, hospitals offices and schools.

Keith Barker, Director of CSA Member Tectonic Techniques and Chair of the CSA Marketing Committee, offers his considered appraisal.

In previous articles, the CSA has discussed commissioning in some depth, covering aspects such as what commissioning is, why it is carried out, when is it done and who does it.

Agnieszka Bachleda-Baca considers how IoT can support sustainable building management.

This month’s round table discussion, sponsored by Trend Control Systems, examines the net zero carbon challenge. Karen Fletcher reports

This month’s MBS round table, sponsored by Swegon, considered the rise of the smart building and smart kit. 

Our expert panel considers the ‘Branson’ challenge and highlights the developments, opportunities and challenges facing the air conditioning and refrigeration sector. Sponsored by Daikin Applied (UK)

With new ways of working continuing to shape office design, Toby Buckley, Managing Director of REL Building Services, explains the impact on M&E solutions.

Changing realities for students and learning

Karl Walker of Beckhoff explains how changing attitudes towards climate change can help encourage young people to take more responsibility for managing the energy efficiency of their own schools and colleges

Matt Whiting, discusses why a holistic approach to specifying water controls in healthcare environments can help improve performance and compliance

Valeria Ferrando explains the difference between digital twins and BIM – and how twinning helps designers and operators understand their buildings better.

As the new TR19 Grease specification is issued by BESA, Gary Nicholls explains why some building managers may still find that there are challenges to achieving full compliance.

Sandy Damm takes a closer look at smoke detection and the best way to select and maintain your equipment.

Dario Giordani explains how the Construction Products Regulation keeps cables safe from fire, and why it concerns everyone in the industry.

The crucial role of specification writing has been so severely downgraded that it is undermining building designs, according to David Fitzpatrick*.

A new Heat Commission convened by the CBI and University of Birmingham - with leading industry figures - has called on the Government to develop a National Delivery Body (NDB) to lead the development and implementation of a national heat decarbonisation strategy.

New guidelines on pressure relief valves and safety valves have been published by SAFed. Les Littlewood outlines the key points and the correct usage.

Angela Reid outlines the numerous labelling schemes available for buildings, and notes the importance of understanding what each offers owners and managers.

Josh Emerson from Swegon looks at the up to date guidance and perceived risk from Rotary Heat Exchangers

Karen Fletcher speaks to a company at the front line of changes in the air conditioning sector and learns how it is staying ahead of the game with an eye firmly on the future.

The UK’s primary F Gas register Refcom played a key role in the first World Refrigeration Day (WRD) as co-host with the Institute of Refrigeration (IoR) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).