The Manufacturers’ of Equipment for Heat Networks Association, MEHNA, have launched a new digital face with their new website 

High Speed Two Limited (HS2 Ltd) has released its Employee and Industrial Relations (EIR) Code of Practice (the Code), which brings significant advantages to Joint Industry Board (JIB) member companies looking to work on one of the most demanding and exciting transport projects in Europe.

The Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) has released a new Technical Guide to add to its portfolio of online Guides available to download.

Like Monty Python said - apart from the sanitation, warmth, cooling, fresh water, electrical services, controls, lighting, and ventilation, what have Building Services engineers ever done for us? David Frise of BESA asks the question. 

Heat pumps alone will not solve the question of UK domestic heat decarbonisation, and must be supported by a mosaic of heating solutions, including a hydrogen gas network, if the UK is to deliver on its net zero ambition, a new report reveals today.

As we see a pathway out of the pandemic, TEAM Energy’s Head of Consultancy, Timothy Holman examines what the Government’s net zero ambition really means to UK businesses and, in a countdown to the climate change summit, COP26, considers how they can be part of the journey to decarbonisation.  

How can building owners develop safer, healthier and smarter building strategies, providing insight into just some of the solutions that can empower them to self-diagnose and identify potential shortcomings and to implement the most appropriate technologies to help mitigate risks both now and in the future? James Allardyce of Chubb examines the options. 

Secure sites need to be operational at all times without the risk of information breaches. Real time monitoring of critical infrastructure using the latest data collection and analysis tools can seem at odds with safety protocols – relying on cloud-based software to store information could leave these organisations open to cyber-attack.

Tom Harmsworth, MD of WeMaintain UK points out what needs to be done first in making ‘London Smarter’

Pete Mills, Commercial Technical Operations Manager at Bosch Commercial and Industrial, delves into what heating technology may look like in the future

Due to environmental and political pressures, manufacturing and construction companies are starting to replace gas boilers with more efficient products that emit less Co2. The question has to be asked “Will the traditional concept of a white box typically supplied with a first fix rail be replaced by a more practical device to better suit tomorrow’s heating and hot water needs?”

Baxi Heating’s Technical Director Andy Green discusses the importance of implementing a robust winter maintenance programme to protect a building’s heating system and ensure its smooth running

James Cooper, Product Manager at ebm-papst UK looks at how to improve BMS Solutions

ABB’s Carl Turbitt explains how it’s never been easier to quickly and cost-effectively plug the knowledge gaps in your organisation – all it needs is an hour of your time.

Steve Bratt, CEO of ECA – Electrical and Engineering Services, a Director of Actuate UK and a member of the Construction Leadership Council Task Force Group expands on the four key strategic areas on Actuate UK’s agenda   

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.

John Austin shares his experience of offsite methods and explains the benefits of packaged plant for building services design and installation.

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.

While pollution levels in our air are a major cause for concern, Mitsubishi Electric Product Manager Hern Yau explains why we need to be cautious about assuming indoor air is always better.

Andre Jutel of amBX asks ‘why is data such an important part of smart lighting?’. It’s a broad question, but one that people within the wider smart city and IoT industries might wonder about. 

Christopher Johnston, Director of Total Sustainability, Energy Focus, Inc. shares the impact lighting design has on health & wellbeing.

Paul Jones and Tom Greenrod talk about the benefits for a London university which has had a smartphone-accessible DALI control system installed.

If your system hasn't been used in months it's an important question. 

The Coronavirus outbreak has increased awareness of hygienic room climate issues, ventilation and air-conditioning systems in public buildings. If planned poorly or not serviced properly, air conditioning units can quickly turn into transmitters of disease-causing germs.

Focusing on project-completion trends in 2016 provides evidence for what drove sales of large commercial air-conditioning products such as VRF and chillers and explains why there was only marginal growth, as David Garwood of BSRIA explains. He then gives an outlook for the years ahead.

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.

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. 

The combination of HCL and lighting control technology is creating ever more productive environments. Steve Marr explains.

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)

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

Built into the mountains of Stavanger, Norway, in what was formerly a NATO ammunition storage facility, is now one of the world’s most secure and energy efficient data centres.

Success in the electrical industry is tough. To reach the top of the field, electricians must not only provide customers with competitive prices, but also consistently deliver the highest quality of work whilst providing the best service. It is truly a multifaceted profession combining the technical, personal and physical.

Penny Jones runs through the stages of installing an MVHR system to ensure good performance

Press fitting is growing in popularity with installers and is fast becoming the method of choice over traditional brazing. 

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*.

Turning buildings into ‘safe havens’ from pollution and airborne viruses will play a big part in giving people confidence to return to their offices, restaurants, gyms and other public buildings, but it will also have wider benefits, says Nathan Wood of BESA.

Hern Yau discusses the importance of air quality for optimal occupant performance and safety.

Donna-Marie Evans considers the crucial role of HVAC in delivering better buildings.

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.

Viega's new models incorporate intelligent connectivity that enables them to link wirelessly to a smartphone and provide enhanced functionality, such as information on battery levels, current pressings and number of pressings remaining before the maintenance interval is reached.

Viega Prevista WC suites now comply with the Regulation 4 of the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations of 1999 and have achieved certifications with WRAS and KIWA (KUKreg4).

A New Micronics, PORTAFLOW range with the latest ultrasonic flow measurement technology and Hydronic Liquid Flow Energy Measurement and a comprehensive data logging facility for the PF333 version.

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).