The issue of professional competency across the construction industry in the post-Grenfell era has never been more important than it is now.

Karen Fletcher looks at what was in the recent Budget and considers what it might mean for the building services sector.

Both landlords and policy makers are having to respond to a growing public consciousness of the property sector’s environmental impact, resulting in a slew of regulation.

Scott James discusses the key aspects that need to be considered when designing pipework for complex buildings and the benefits of using a press connection method.

Expansion vessels are an essential element in any commercial heating system but ensuring you have the right one requires complicated calculations. Here, Rob Jacques discusses the complexities of this ‘simple’ technology and offers guidance on making the right choice. 

Valves and actuators are largely unseen elements of a building services system, but as Neil Gibson explains, they can have a significant impact on system performance, occupant comfort and energy efficiency.

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

Use of offsite fabricated heating solutions is on the up in residential developments with communal heat networks. But early engagement is key if the maximum benefits are to be reaped, says Ian Lock.

With a growing trend towards off-site construction, Andrew Miele looks at the benefits and considerations of prefabricated modular solutions for the UK’s buildings.

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)

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.

Charlie Mowbray looks at examples of commercial boiler installations where high demand is at the forefront.

Karen Fletcher explores the growing number of high-rise buildings in London and considers the importance of HVAC in delivering space that attracts the all-important paying occupants.

As mixed use, high-rise developments spring up across our cities, Kevin Potter considers the challenges and options for designing hot water systems in buildings that include homes, offices, gyms and restaurants.

Recent reports of energy waste in UK commercial properties highlight that more can be done to improve the efficiency of our existing buildings. Where heating is concerned, says Tom Murray, we must continue to tackle the low hanging fruit

How one hotel upgraded its heating to meet consistently high demand while reducing its energy use.

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.

When refurbishing a fully functional building you are guaranteed a host of unexpected challenges. Steve McGregor advises that the key is in the planning – and application of technology.

In buildings with high, constant demand for heat, combined heat and power is proving an economic tool to long-term savings. Mark Gibbons looks into the technology.

Changes in working patterns and the need to optimise energy use are creating new challenges for building managers. Alastair Reynolds considers the impact of the IoT.

Construction and information management specialist Stuart Bell shares his views on the industry’s use of the latest tools such as digital twins.

With his tenure as BCIA President soon coming to a close, Jon Belfield is encouraged by the developments he has seen in the past two years and highlights some of the key strategies that will continue to ensure building controls play a pivotal role in the journey to net-zero and better performing buildings.

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. 

Using one pipe connection method across a project can significantly impact the speed and success of an install. Scott James highlights the benefits of modern approach to pipework for building owners and installers.

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.

Project of the Year sponsored by BSRIA Instrument Solutions

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.

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).

Martin Fahey examines the wellbeing arguments for effective use of modern cooling technologies.

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*.

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 roundtable of industry experts and legal specialists calls for regulations on air quality in our cities. 

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.

With a 51% increase in the Climate Change Levy occurring on 1st April, Sebastian Gray explains one method to calculate your CCL tax liability accurately.