Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) has developed a ‘Smart Check’ app to help construction site operators verify the identities and qualifications of more than two million skills card holders.
The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has completed its trilogy of free guides designed to help building owners and managers turn their buildings into ‘safe havens’ that protect occupants from health risks linked to airborne contaminants and viruses.
SELECT’s campaign for regulation of the electrical industry continues to attract more backing, with two major industry organisations and four MSPs adding their names to the trade association’s Wall of Support.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak might be getting a real pounding in the press over his family’s tax affairs, but his judgement could not be faulted over some of the changes he announced in his Spring Statement, according to the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA).
It’s been two years since the pandemic changed life for everyone, and we’ve seen some big developments to the role of Facilities Managers (FM). In this article, Derek Parker of Artic Building Services reviews the impact of the pandemic on facilities management, including new responsibilities within the role and the increased focus on health and safety.
Despite the multiple challenges of Covid-19, importing difficulties and material shortages, the engineering and construction industry is anticipated to further advance this year. However, the recovery will not be evenly spread, with some regions and sectors performing better than others, mirroring a fluctuating UK economic and social landscape.
We are currently looking for an individual to join our vibrant and dynamic Projects and Small works Teams who is self-motivated and proactive, can work independently and as part of a team and can work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
Data centres consume huge amounts of energy, much of which goes into cooling. Carl Turbitt, HVAC Drives – UK Sales Manager, ABB, explains how, when it comes to achieving sustainability, variable speed drives (VSDs) are the best-performing technology available.
SAV Systems is proud to announce that the AirMaster AM 1000 has been awarded Passivhaus Component certification in conjunction with their Danish partner, Airmaster A/S.
In October the Government launched its long-awaited Heat and Building Strategy. With heat for buildings accounting for 21% of the UKs annual national emissions, the strategy supports the intention to decarbonise heat, which is essential in order to meet our net zero goals, and it confirms that the Government’s preferred technology for this, at least for the foreseeable future, is the heat pump.
A year into the Government initiative to help SMEs UK-wide exploit data to achieve net zero, Simon West, COO and cofounder of Scottish proptech arbnco, reflects on the key lessons learnt from its project with British Gas
Frank Bakker of SolarEdge looks at ways to better manage energy
Water is a heating system’s cheapest component. Keep it in prime condition and the installation could run smoothly for years. Neglect it, and the consequences will be costly. Here, Steve Simmonds, from Spirotech, discusses some typical water woes, and explains how water quality testing can reveal a system’s dirty secrets.
Peter Behan, Director at Group Horizon, explains how an industry skills shortage and the UK’s net zero target have encouraged a revival in apprenticeships and outlines some of the routes into a career in the built environment.
Modutherm has launched the MTA PLUS – a new, high performance heat interface unit (HIU) which has been specifically designed for use in 4th generation low temperature heat networks that utilise heat pumps or boilers. The launch comes hot on the heels of the company announcing a partnership agreement with leading heat pump manufacturer alpha innotec
The University of Warwick’s Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research Building (IBRB) is breaking new ground in building design. The £33m facility has been constructed with a cutting-edge offsite approach featuring Kingspan Kooltherm Pipe Insulation and Kooltherm Insulated Pipe Support Inserts.
Viega has opened the doors to its ‘LONDON’ space in the Building Centre, providing a central location for showcasing products and interacting directly with visitors.
Eschewing chemical additives in closed loop water treatment for a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative has long been accepted on the continent. Now, with the recognition of VDI2035 in CIBSE’s revised Code of Practice on Heat Networks (CP1 (2020)), it would seem the UK is finally catching up.
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
Domus Ventilation has launched its next generation, HRXE Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) units for a wider range of residential properties than ever before.
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.
Wieland Electric's established gesis® FLEX series is expanded with the new KNX DALI Gateway. It allows direct communication between the two interoperable and well-known systems, KNX and DALI 2. As a result, it communicates with devices from other manufacturers that are certified in these systems on both sides.
When decision-makers consider smart building technology in buildings one the first aspect that comes to front of mind is that of automatic lighting control. Good lighting is crucial to the successful functioning of any workplace and, also accounts for a large proportion of energy consumption.
The question in the title is rhetorical, but in reality the buildings in which we work, play and even live are getting smarter says Jim White, CTO of IOTech
Many manufacturing and engineering firms may have seen a drop in output due to lower demand recently. Consequently, with lower capacities, this brings with it the likelihood of some machinery going through periods of not being used.
A considered approach to installing containment of building services can make projects quicker, easier, safer, less costly and more environmentally aware.
As the construction industry is full steam ahead, it’s important that distributors are ready for the future.
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.
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.
Knightsbridge has introduced the SUR5LED dual-mount LED luminaire that can be surface-mounted or suspended. It’s an easily installed, retrofittable alternative to twin 5ft fluorescent fittings with a commercial grade output of 4790lm.
Coolair Equipment Limited has won a four-year legal battle to secure the rights to the ‘Coolair’ name.
Humidity control specialist, Condair, is launching a new 8-hour rapid response service as an optional feature to its humidifier planned preventative maintenance contracts.
Hitachi’s newest 4-way cassette unit design panel, the Silent Iconic, has already picked up three international product design awards – the iF Design Award 2020 in the Product category, the Good Design Award 2020 and the Red Dot Best of the Best Product Design 2021 – and is now available in the UK.
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).
