The Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) has welcomed the government’s confirmation that privately rented non-domestic buildings over 1,000 square metres in England and Wales will be expected to achieve a minimum EPC B rating by 2031, describing the move as an important step forward in improving the energy performance of the UK’s commercial building stock.
GOLDBECK has launched a new long-term education initiative in Cardiff, committing to support three local primary schools as part of a programme designed to introduce young children to enterprise, careers and the wider world of construction.
The British Pump Manufacturers Association (BPMA) has announced that entries are now open for the 2027 Pump Industry Awards, inviting companies, organisations and individuals from across the pump sector to showcase their achievements in one of industry’s longest standing and most highly respected awards programmes.
The mood around Net Zero has shifted in ways that would have seemed unlikely just a few years ago, says BESA’s Director of Technical, Kevin Morrissey.
Integrating renewable energy with high-performance battery technology will be a game-changer for buildings — believes Tim Mitchell of Klima-Therm.
Rinnai’s Chris Goggin examines the current UK heating and hot water markets with a detailed statistical analysis of each notable sector to reveal the preferred methods of supplying both residential and commercial properties with warmth and DHW. This review will also look at the impact of legislation upon customer options.
Dave Cooper, CEO at LECS UK, explains why lifts deserve greater scrutiny in building appraisals and makes the case for closer collaboration with chartered surveyors to deliver increased client benefits.
In mechanical and electrical (M&E) installations, fixings and supports are often considered minor components, but their impact on cost, sustainability, and efficiency is anything but small.
Rinnai Director Chris Goggin looks at and discusses the potential next generation of energy technology ideas and appliances that could deliver economic and efficient power to residential and commercial properties in the near future. New and original approaches will replace traditional and well referenced methods of heating and hot water provision. History is saturated with case histories of a process and pattern of technological replacements.
Reduction of energy usage in laboratory spaces is a highly effective way of tackling operational costs and improving environmental performance, but this requires extremely careful consideration. In this article, Ian Thomas, Product Manager – LabControls at TROX UK, highlights key approaches which reduce energy usage whilst maintaining or enhancing the safety and control of the laboratory environment.
The recent cuts to pensioners’ winter fuel allowance and the 10% increase in the energy price cap highlight the urgent need to retrofit the UK’s existing housing stock. While the government is committed to improving energy efficiency in homes, the task is monumental, with over four million properties within the social housing sector alone. Lisa Cairns, Business Development & Improvement Manager at IRT Surveys, discusses how data and technology improve retrofit decision-making for housing providers and construction professionals.
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.
Rinnai looks at the continuing role of natural gas and alternative gases in the current energy offering
Rinnai Director Chris Goggin explains why the adoption of hybrid heating and hot water systems is an informed approach towards climate change objectives. Hybrid energy systems utilise two forms of power that can assist in reducing fuels cost and delivering beneficial environmental aims
Offering a more energy efficient alternative to gas boilers, heat pumps are rapidly becoming popular with developers, specifiers and architects keen to achieve the government’s Net Zero targets. However, there is some confusion in regards to the most suitable heat pumps and how and where they should be installed. Dean Loizou, Design Director at Whitecode Consulting, highlights the importance of correct specification, detailing common mistakes that lead to costly reworks in the future.
As commercial and industrial heating systems become more sophisticated and building operators face increasing pressure to improve energy efficiency and reduce operational costs, Steve McConnell, Director at the Industrial and Commercial Energy Association (ICOM), explains why the critical area of water treatment should not be overlooked.
Although New York’s continuing Legionnaires’ disease cases are thousands of miles away, Greg Rankin, CEO of Hydrosense, explains why they should serve as a critical warning for the UK – and why organisations must act now to tackle rising Legionella risks.
Installing water supply systems into high-rise residential and commercial buildings can be a complex task.
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.
When we think of industrial automation, it’s easy to jump to machine performance. Whether it’s reducing asset downtime or improving overall equipment efficiency (OEE), the emphasis has often been on process control. However, in many production facilities, large amounts of energy are also used to maintain the surrounding environment — heating, cooling, lighting and ventilating vast spaces. Here, Mark Richards, Sales Manager UK at Beckhoff UK, explains how manufacturers can more effectively optimise their facilities by looking beyond process control and adopting building automation.
Smart buildings are often presented as the answer to many of the built environment’s most pressing challenges. They promise lower energy use, better comfort, improved visibility, more responsive services and a clearer route towards Net Zero. Yet smart building performance does not always match the ambition set out at design stage.
For hospitals, understanding indoor air quality is key to improving patient health, and sophisticated monitoring is crucial, explains Dave Lister, Healthcare Solutions Specialist at IAconnects.
Grant Phipps, Managing Director at Rapid Locking Systems Europe, explains why using press fittings can help deliver safer, faster HVAC installations.
As the founder and Managing Director of Jefferis Engineering, Sam Jefferis is leading the charge in modernising how mechanical and electrical services are delivered across the UK. From his early days as an apprentice welder to running a company known for its blend of innovation and traditional skill, Sam discusses how he is trying to drive change through smarter techniques, people-focused training and off-site precision.
Durgan Cooper, CEO of Juberi, and Dan Little, Commercial Director of electrical contractor J Brand, discuss the critical role of advanced cabling and OT cybersecurity.
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.
Ian Kelsall, Technical Specialist for respiratory protection equipment at Draeger Safety UK, discusses the importance of suitable and appropriate respiratory protection.
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
Marco Tolaini, Sales Director of Lucent Lighting, discusses how lighting enhances the retail experience while delivering on energy efficiency.
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
There’s a silent problem draining budgets, compromising occupant safety and undermining sustainability targets in modern buildings: refrigerant gas leaks. Shaun Evers, Managing Director of Stonegate Instruments, highlights how advanced gas detection technology can help.
Switching from synthetic refrigerants in HVACR applications to more sustainable natural alternatives is a necessary step on the journey to Net Zero. However, the use of A2L and A3 refrigerants has implications for the design and use of HVACR devices and systems, as ABB’s Oliver Woolley explains.
Stuart Smith, Commercial Director at Zehnder Group UK, discusses the role of indoor environmental quality in creating healthier, more efficient buildings.
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).
