2008 October
Location as the key to exploiting renewable energy
29 October, 2008
Many refurbishment projects provide scope for including low or zero carbon technologies. Ant Wilson of Faber Maunsell explores some of the options and their viabilities for different geographical locations.
To enable rooftop packaged air conditioners using R22 to be replaced easily, Carrier will make new units to fit exactly into the space occupied by the units being replaced. Such units are especially used in the retail sectors, and several Tesco stores in the south of England have recently benefited from this service.
Daikin heat-recovery VRV air conditioning contributes to the ‘good’ BREEAM rating of the comprehensive refurbishment of 25 Victoria Street in Central London, owned by Coal Pension Properties.
How managing voltage reduces electricity bills
27 October, 2008
The nature of the UK electricity supply means that much electrical equipment is served by a higher voltage than it is designed for — wasting energy and shortening its life. Angus Robertson explains how voltage power optimisation addresses these problems.
Honeywell expertise manages tricky chiller replacement
27 October, 2008
The UK refrigeration services business of Honeywell has management the replacement of chiller plant on the roof of a Unilever R&D facility at Colworth Science Park in Bedfordshire.
Refurbishment meets sustainability
27 October, 2008
The £37 million upgrade and refurbishment of Edinburgh’s Royal Commonwealth Pool provides the opportunity for a host of sustainability measures.
‘Alternative’ energy for air conditioning
27 October, 2008
With ever-increasing electrical loads in buildings putting a strain on the electricity supply, Graham Wright suggests a ‘dash for gas’ to power air-conditioning.
Exposing the flaws in air-conditioning systems
27 October, 2008
Mike Nankivell explains how the requirements of the Energy in Buildings Performance Directive for most commercial air-conditioning system installations to be inspected and the F-Gas Regulation’s leak-checking procedures should address some of the more basic design flaws, user error and maintenance failings that result in poor operating efficiency.
Turbocor compressor shows its energy-saving potential in chiller-replacement projects
27 October, 2008
The huge energy-saving capabilities of replacing aging chillers with new models incorporating the Danfoss Turbocor compressor in two recent projects is described by Ken Sharpe.
Fort Dunlop becomes Largest Mitsubishi water-cooled VRF air-conditioning installation
27 October, 2008
Over 120 Mitsubishi Electric water-cooled WR2 air-conditioning systems have been installed as part of the refurbishment of Fort Dunlop in Birmingham by Urban Splash — making it the largest such system in the UK.
Boiler replacement is only part of the story
27 October, 2008
Replacing a boiler will not in itself fully maximise the efficiency of the heating system. Engineers must take all aspects of the system into account when upgrading commercial heating, says John Bailey.
Realising the energy-saving benefits of variable-speed pumps
25 October, 2008
Integrating variable-speed pumps into the system they serve is the way to maximise energy savings. Wayne Rose explains how.
Ex-Or brings lighting under energy-efficient control
25 October, 2008
Ex-Or offers a complete range of energy- and cost-saving controls and managed lighting systems for new-build and refurbishment projects. They ensure compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations.
Elmhurst offers accreditation and training for EPCs and DECs
25 October, 2008
Elmhurst Energy has launched an accreditation scheme and training packages to enable qualified property-industry professionals to undertake energy-rating assessments and produce Energy Performance Certificates for commercial buildings and Display Energy Certificates for public buildings.
Managing grease in small commercial kitchens
25 October, 2008
The latest grease-management system from ACO Building Drainage is designed for small kitchens such as pubs, cafes, snack bars, cafeterias and tea rooms to dispose of fats, oils and grease that might cause blockages in pipes.
Compact circuit breakers monitor power and energy
25 October, 2008
Schneider Electric’s new Compact NSX range of moulded-case circuit breakers offers options for monitoring and communication — including both energy and power for what is said to be the first time.
Driving the pace of pipework prefabrication offsite
25 October, 2008
Large pipe projects are more often prefabricated off site than installed on a site — and smaller projects are catching up with this trend.
Putting energy issues above politics
25 October, 2008
CIBSE gold medallist and former president Brian Moss believes the expertise of engineers could transcend politics in reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions — even to the level of CIBSE partnering with the Government.
AquaTech Pressmain has devised a 5-point plan to minimise the risk of hydraulic shock (water hammer) damaging pipework and fittings.
Hamworthy pumps up the pressure
25 October, 2008
Hamworthy Heating has introduced an extensive range of pumped pressurisation units. It includes floor-standing and wall-hung models suitable for heating and chilling systems in commercial buildings.
Enjoying the benefits of planned maintenance
25 October, 2008
Reduced cost, reduced risk and compliance with legislation are just some of the benefits of planned maintenance — as Greg Markham explains.
Adey improves the protection of central-heating systems
25 October, 2008
Adey Professional Heating Solutions has introduced a dual-action magnetic and non-magnetic filter to protect wet central-heating systems.
Grundfos drives open-loop geothermal system
25 October, 2008
A Grundfos SP 60 borehole pump plays a key role in the open-loop geothermal system that provides heating and cooling for the £36 million refurbishment of St Martin-in-the-Field church in London’s Trafalgar Square.
Keston boiler rig provides energy-efficient refurbishment solution
25 October, 2008
Keston Boilers has supplied a custom-built modular rig to provide energy-efficient and cost-effective heating and DHW for the refurbishment of Palmers Lodge youth hostel, a Victorian Grade 2 listed building in Swiss Cottage, London.
The sustainability credentials of multi-service chilled beams
25 October, 2008
The capability of multi-service chilled beams (MSCBs) to use chilled water at the relatively high temperatures of 14°C flow and 17°C return is highlighted by Trox as making the use renewable energy sources such ground water and heat pumps viable propositions.
Dalkia takes the biscuit with 5-year FM contract for Fox’s
25 October, 2008
Dalkia has won a 5-year contract to provide all hard facilities-management services for the major biscuit factory of Fox’s in Batley, West Yorkshire.
T&A partners with CCS to prevent legionella
25 October, 2008
Tour & Andersson has teamed up with central Chemical Services to provide a comprehensive service for controlling legionella in potable hot and cold water systems that is largely free of chemicals.
Clivet Aircon sees doubling of contract-maintenance business
25 October, 2008
Clivet Aircon reports that its contract maintenance business has more than doubled in the last 12 months and that demand for its Versatemp refurbishment and test regime programmes is at an all-time high.
25 October, 2008
Maintaining and updating air-handling units can add years to their life and improve their energy efficiency. Andrew Knight explains.
RS trials replacement LED lighting
25 October, 2008
Distributor RS Components has begun a trial installation of Dialight LED downlighters in its Corby head office. Over a hundred Dialight HL 16 retro-fit LED units are replacing MR 16 halogen downlighters in the main corridor that leads to all the meeting rooms.
Air-conditioning distributor Oceanair Distribution, has been acquired by an investment group for an undisclosed sump. The deal does not affect Oceanair (UK), the Nottingham-based distributor, which continues as a separate stand-alone company.
Aqua completes project for Cambridge University
21 October, 2008
Aqua Mechanical Services has completed a £2.7 million contract for Willmott Dixon Construction for the installation of M&E services for a new research and teaching facility for the physics of medicine in Cambridge. The building is next to the world-famous Cavendish Laboratory.
Carillion signs MoD sustainable procurement charter
21 October, 2008
Support services and construction company Carillion has signed up to the Ministry of Defence’s sustainable procurement charter. The charter was signed by Carillion chief executive John McDonough and chief executive of Defence Estates Vice Admiral Tim Laurence.
BRA expresses concern about R22 leakage and reclaim
21 October, 2008
Over 1900 t of virgin R22 refrigerant was sold in the UK, all of it used to service R22 systems — according to the latest market survey from the British Refrigeration Association. Concerned about its effects on ozone depletion and global warming, the BRA and its members are urging the industry to improve system tightness, as required in the F Gas Regulations, and minimise leakage.
SES help complete new South Stand at Twickenham
21 October, 2008
SES has completed the installation of M&E services for the new South Stand at Twickenham, which brings the stadium’s capacity up to 82 000.
Productivity in the building-services engineering sector is being inhibited by poor management and leadership skills, according to research by SummitSkills, the Sector Skills Council for building-services engineering.
Modern Building Services now has its own group on the professional networking site Linkedin..
NG Bailey wins M&E contract for Scottish office park
21 October, 2008
NG Bailey has won a £13 million contract to fit out 10 new office buildings on the largest speculatively office park in the UK. Work has started on the 70 200 m2 Maxim Office Park development for TAL CPT, which is next to the Eurocentral Business Park in North Lanarkshire.
HVCA president welcomes select-committee report
21 October, 2008
HVCA president Gareth Vaughan has responded enthusiastically to a new report on the construction industry by the House of Commons Business & Enterprise Select Committee, which picks up many of the concepts and solutions that the specialist engineering sector has been promoting for more than a decade.
Arrow Commercial has appointed the northern office of Faber Maunsell to provide design services for this £10 million development in Sunderland. Subject to planning consent, Arrow will create a river-front mixed-used development to be known as The Edge at Scotia Quays on the River Wear.
Inviron school contract includes ground-source heat pumps
21 October, 2008
Inviron is working on a contract to install the complete M&E services for South Bank Sixth Form College in Litherland, Merseyside. The project includes 60 boreholes, each 100 m deep, to serve ground-source heat pumps to heat and cool the building.
Little Britain regatta is plain sailing for MITIE team
21 October, 2008
Little Britain regatta is plain sailing for MITIE team
Airedale updates its product CD
20 October, 2008
Airedale has released a new CD ROM of its product portfolio. Improved design and functionality of the new CDR V5 make it even simpler to quickly access Airedale product information.
20 October, 2008
CIBSE has added a number of new titles to its selection of publications that aid compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations and Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.
Sill publishes inspirational new lighting catalogue
20 October, 2008
Sill Lighting’s all-new 370-page colour catalogue is an essential reference for any lighting specifier.
Water-management solutions
20 October, 2008
Marshall-Tufflex has published a 72-page catalogue ‘Universal rainwater and drainage systems’ It illustrates the company’s entire range of complementary water-management systems, from roof-top guttering to soil and waste and underground solutions. Most are produced in high-impact, fully certified, PVC-u — making them suitable for most applications.
BRE’s new ‘Green guide’ goes on line
20 October, 2008
BRE’s ‘Green guide’ is now available on line to give designers and specifiers guidance on how to make the best environmental choices when selecting construction materials and components.
Legrand develops new UK web site
20 October, 2008
Legrand, which specialises in products and systems for electrical installations and information networks, has launched a new UK web site. It provides visitors with the opportunity to do everything from browsing its revamped online catalogue through to booking CPD training courses — and even win prizes.
20 October, 2008
Bathroom-pod specialist Baudet UK has developed a new web site to provide a concise source of information for specifiers, contractors and facilities managers.
Polypipe invests in new tooling for its Domus ventilation products
20 October, 2008
Polypipe Ventilation has invested in new tooling for its Domus range of products for ducting systems for light-commercial and domestic ventilation projects. The investment has already improved product quality and the company’s ability to react to changing and more demanding needs of the market.
Government approves CHP station fuelled by waste
20 October, 2008
The Government has approve a new power station in Cheshire fuelled by waste. The proposed plant could take waste from Manchester, Halton, Cheshire and Warrington that would otherwise go to landfill.
Commercial landlords face MEES compliance crunch
Two-thirds of UK commercial real estate (CRE) owners admit they are “not fully compliant” with energy efficiency regulations, according to new research from smart buildings specialist LMG.
Recognising outstanding achievements at CIBSE Building Performance Awards 2025
The Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in London came alive on 27th February 2025 for the prestigious CIBSE Building Performance Awards.
