2019 October

BESA chief executive David Frise discusses the BESA National Conference 2019. Find out what's coming up.

Gordon Mitchell, CIO of Key Facilities Management explains why the FM sector should understand smart building technologies and the need for them to focus on the people.

The Association of Tank and Cistern Manufacturers (ATCM) offers a considered opinion on whether it’s better to refurbish or replace aging equipment.

Antony Corbett explores the benefits of multi-layer piping as a solution for a wide range of project challenges.

Glynn Williams considers the increasingly connected world and highlights the benefits of being able to gather data from around today’s buildings and their services.

Toby Hunt discusses ways to reduce the environmental impact of data centres using water for cooling without compromising continued operations.

Daniel Tebay the challenges of delivering operational refurbishment projects in a luxury hotel environment, drawing upon the company’s experience at the five-star Lowry Hotel in Manchester.

Dieter Lang explains how human centric lighting, a lighting concept that simulates the course of natural daylight, holds great potential for education

Paul Arnold looks at how some schools have overcome the challenges of upgrading heating systems in older buildings.

Mike Smith, ECA Director of Technical, tackles one of the biggest issues still facing the engineering services sector

Karen Fletcher reviews an important new publication that highlights poor management as the root cause of problems in the construction industry – and how we might set about putting things right.

John Norfolk, president of the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) had strong words for government when he addressed the annual President’s Lunch in London on 19th September.

Government has conceded to industry calls to postpone the introduction of reverse charging VAT for one year. The new deadline will be 1st October 2020.

Leading building services provider J S Wright has secured a contract worth in excess of £17 million to fit out one of London’s biggest residential developments.

Briggs and Forrester Engineering Services have recently secured the MEP services contract on the Doncaster Central Library and Museum. Located on the junction of Waterdale and Chequer Road in the town centre, the four-storey structure will incorporate the architectural heritage of the former Hall Cross Girls School building.

As part of the campaign to attract more women into engineering professions, BESA is launching the Outstanding Woman in Building Engineering Services Award. It also marks the 100 anniversary of the founding of the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) The Award will be presented at the BESA National Conference and Awards at the Millennium Gloucester Hotel in London on November 21st 2019.

Holders of Engineering Services SKILLcards are now able to renew their cards online following another upgrade of the online SKILLcard application system operated by the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA).

ECA director of technical, Mike Smith highlights the importance of competence in the electrical sector in our News Analysis.

Our News Analysis is a review of a new publication, Global construction success, edited by risk management expert Charles O’Neil, with contributions from 17 industry experts, including Professor Rudi Klein, CEO of the Specialist Engineering Contractors’ Group (SEC).

Help us get a snapshot of where the industry stands and what the main issues will be going into 2020 - and be in with a chance to win a pair of Bang & Olufsen headphones..

Protesting about climate change should be encouraged, although sticking yourself (or parts of your anatomy) to the CEO’s door, window or car is not. The immediacy and importance of the debate could help you change your organisation’s policy in this area.

When a project has a particularly long timescale it is essential to rethink the HVAC strategy. District energy schemes, for example, are typically rolled-out gradually, linking additional buildings to the network over an extended period (years rather than months.

The new room sensors and room operating units from Belimo extend the company’s existing sensor range.

Cable cleat manufacturer Ellis has developed a twist foot fixing mechanism for use on all sizes and types of its best-selling standard cable cleats, Emperor and Vulcan+.

The new MiniSteam E from HygroMatik is the safe and smart solution for direct room humidification. An electrode humidifier, it operates with normal tap water to generate pure, mineral-free steam.

Kingspan Kooltherm pipe insulation is helping the refurbishment of historic Studley Castle hotel. Studley Castle’s refurbishment and extension has been designed to exceed the current energy performance requirements for Building Regulations compliance.

Panasonic’s Aquarea Monobloc air to water heat pumps are being applied at a new housing development of 20 homes in Cambridgeshire.

The luxury Tyram Lakes eco resort is working with renewable energy experts Geyser Thermal Energy to reduce energy use without sacrificing guest comfort.

The Eagles Community Arena (ECA) is a new purpose-built community sports arena for grassroots sports of all ages and abilities.

Trox fancoils and grilles have been selected for a new office development at Farringdon East Crossrail station in London. The development, known as Kaleidoscope, will be a six storey office building of 88,600 sq ft with a restaurant unit on the ground floor.

There are some meaty challenges on the agenda at this year’s BESA National Conference, which takes place at the Millennium Gloucester Hotel, London on November 21st.

Water treatment specialist DosaFil offers CIBSE-CPD accredited training to all CIBSE members or any professionals working in the MEP sector.

With indoor air quality firmly in the headlines, Lee Caulfield looks at the role installers can play in delivering healthier air for occupants.

Senior industry figures have welcomed the Scottish Government’s pledge to publish a consultation on the regulation of electricians – but have also urged them to make it happen soon.

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.