2019 November
![Manifestos, Green New Deal, energy bills, energy efficiency, housebuilding](http://cdn595.pressflex.net/images//18986.photo.1.jpg?m=1574952761)
As the election draws closer MBS has looked through the party manifestos for our area from the Conservatives, Labour party, Liberal Democrats and the Green Party of England and Wales.
![Ideal Boilers, Charlie Mowbray, boilers, heating, ErP, EcoDesign, Medium Combustion Plant Directive, MPCD, Emission Limit Values, ELV, Nox, SO2, air quality, IAQ, pollution](http://cdn595.pressflex.net/images//18929.photo.1.jpg?m=1572352016)
With the latest piece of emission legislation in place for over six months with little fanfare, Charlie Mowbray looks at the implications to both new and existing boilers.
![Future Homes Standard, domestic heating, decarbonisation, 2050 target, zero carbon, domestic heating, Part L, Part F, Building Regulations, legislation](http://cdn595.pressflex.net/images//18931.photo.1.jpg?m=1572355711)
In October, government launched a consultation on the Future Homes Standard. Karen Fletcher looks at the proposals, with a focus on plans for domestic heating.
![Remeha, Ryan Kirkwood, boilers, selection, specification, boiler design, refurbishment, replacement, older boilers, Old Bailey, Netherton boilers](http://cdn595.pressflex.net/images//18932.photo.1.jpg?m=1572356146)
Ryan Kirkwood looks at how a combination of good boiler selection and efficient design can help overcome installation challenges in older buildings
![Vaillant, Craig Dolan, efficiency, heating, hot water, Future of Heating, heat pumps, AroTherm](http://cdn595.pressflex.net/images//18933.photo.1.jpg?m=1572356942)
Hot topic of the moment is how to supply heating and hot water to buildings while meeting tougher targets on energy and carbon. Craig Dolan looks at the solutions available.
![BCIA, building controls, smart buildings, Jon Belfield, InTandem](http://cdn595.pressflex.net/images/18934.photo.1.jpg?m=1572517464)
Jon Belfield examines and explores how the government's target to have a net-zero carbon economy can be achieved and the opportunities it presents.
![J2 Innovations, Chris Irwin, Project Haystack, tagging, cloud, Internet of Things, IoT, protocols, LonWorks, BACnet, KNX, DALI, ASHRAE, open systems](http://cdn595.pressflex.net/images//18935.photo.1.jpg?m=1572358157)
Chris Irwin on the search for a truly open approach to building controls – and the project that is bringing the vision closer to reality.
![cyber-security, Google, IOT, IT, Katherine Farrington, skills, Smart Buildings, smart-ready, training](http://cdn595.pressflex.net/images/18936.photo.1.jpg?m=1572521344)
The future of smart buildings promises benefits for those who can tap into the new era of connected systems and the IoT. But Karen Fletcher warns that there is a lot of hard work required for those to want to step into this new world.
![Adam Selvey, Ramboll, wellbeing, zero carbon, sustainability](http://cdn595.pressflex.net/images//18937.photo.1.jpg?m=1572359508)
Better buildings, happy people?
In the face of growing concern about our environment, sustainable buildings expert Adam Selvey considers how we can find a balance between achieving zero carbon buildings and the wellbeing of humans who are in them.
![Queen’s Speech, legislation, construction industry, competence, late payments, fair payments, BESA, RICS, National Federation of Builders, David Frise](http://cdn595.pressflex.net/images//18938.photo.1.jpg?m=1572428970)
Queen’s speech hints at construction policy direction
Key industry figures have responded to the Queen’s Speech delivered on 14th October in the House of Lords, which set out the government’s priorities for the year ahead.
![Future Homes Consultation, domestic heating, heating, decarbonisation, LGA, planning, new homes, Part L, Part F, Building Regulations](http://cdn595.pressflex.net/images//18939.photo.1.jpg?m=1572429197)
Future Homes consultation launches
The government launched a consultation on building regulations in October in an attempt to drive greater use of low-carbon technologies and world-leading levels of energy efficiency.
![BESA, wellbeing, Nathan Wood, pollution, indoor air quality, IAQ](http://cdn595.pressflex.net/images//18940.photo.1.jpg?m=1572429462)
BESA launches Wellbeing Group to inform new Standard
A new Health & Wellbeing Group has been established by BESA, with Nathan Wood of Farmwood M&E chairing. The new group has already been invited by BSI, EFT Consult and a group of like-minded industry bodies to help draft the UK’s first British Standard (PAS) for the health and wellbeing performance rating of commercial and domestic buildings.
![Fusion21, procurement, heating, renewables, framework, schools, Department for Education, Peter Francis](http://cdn595.pressflex.net/images//18941.photo.1.jpg?m=1572429660)
New heating and renewables procurement programme worth £500 millions
Procurement organisation and social enterprise body Fusion21 has launched a national Heating and Renewables Framework which could be worth up to £500 million over a four-year period. The launch is set for January 2020; submission deadline is 20th November 2019.
![Barbour ABI, league tables, top fifty, contractors, Balfour Beatty, HS2, Galliford Try, Mace](http://cdn595.pressflex.net/images//18942.photo.1.jpg?m=1572430591)
Barbour league tables show leading clients
Barbour ABI has released its latest top-50 league tables for the construction industry. The total value of the projects it covers is just under £20 billions.
![Grundfos, Mads Nipper](http://cdn595.pressflex.net/images//18943.photo.1.jpg?m=1572430738)
Grundfos 2019 financial success
Grundfos Pumps has announced that for the first half of 2019 they have had sales growth and increased earnings despite a challenging global market.
![Commissioning Specialists Association (CSA), The Crystal, commissioning, seminar](http://cdn595.pressflex.net/images//18944.photo.1.jpg?m=1572430919)
Commissioning seminars for 2020
The Commissioning Specialists Association (CSA) will be hosting a series of seminars in 2020, with the first taking place at The Crystal Building in London on 31st March 2020.
![BCIA, Awards](http://cdn595.pressflex.net/images//18945.photo.1.jpg?m=1572431060)
The 2020 Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) Awards are now open for entries with a number of different awards on offer.
![George Clarke, MOBIE, modular construction, modern methods of construction, University of Northumbria](http://cdn595.pressflex.net/images//18946.photo.1.jpg?m=1572431213)
The way homes are designed and delivered in the future could be changed after architect and TV presenter George Clarke’s charity signed a contract with Northumbria University.
![ECS, electricians, registered electricians, ECS cards, competence, training, Wiring Regulations, Wiring Regs, 18th Edition](http://cdn595.pressflex.net/images//18947.photo.1.jpg?m=1572431354)
ECS scheme reaches new milestone
Over 20,000 ECS cardholders have now signed up for the ECS registered electrician status.
![Baxi Heating, Tom Murray, water heater, hot water, offices, co-working, flexible working](http://cdn595.pressflex.net/images//18928.photo.1.jpg?m=1572347569)
Tom Murray explores some of the most important factors relating to water heater specification.
![LG, thermostat, wind chill](http://cdn595.pressflex.net/images//18951.photo.1.jpg?m=1572439454)
SOME LIKE IT HOT, SOME LIKE IT COOL!
The experience that your friend or colleague complaining that they are cold when you feel comfortable or even hot is a common phenomenon and there are many reasons why two people might experience the same temperature differently.
![ATCM, water](http://cdn595.pressflex.net/images//18952.photo.1.jpg?m=1572443547)
Reliable, effective water storage – who needs it?
The answer is obvious. Everyone. The provision of clean, wholesome water at the turn of a tap is second nature, or so we would like to think.
![Legrand, cable management](http://cdn595.pressflex.net/images//18953.photo.1.jpg?m=1572443875)
Top Tips to Cable Management Specification
Cable management is an integral part of the specification process. When it comes to specifying cable management systems, there are a number of key areas to consider in addition to cost per unit and installation time.
![Mitsubishi Electric, R32, M Series, Jordan Jeewood](http://cdn595.pressflex.net/images//18954.photo.1.jpg?m=1572444931)
Mitsubishi Electric extends its R32 offering
Mitsubishi Electric has extended its R32 offering with the extension of its M Series range to include the MFZ-KT range of R32 floor-mounted units. The range offers more choice for customers looking to switch to the lower-GWP refrigerant with the small- to medium-sized split-type applications.
![Swegon, Gold, air handling unit, AHU, modular](http://cdn595.pressflex.net/images//18955.photo.2.jpg?m=1572445054)
Swegon scores Gold with modular AHU
Swegon has launched two new modular versions of its Gold air handling unit. The Gold Top and Gold L-Concept address a problem encountered all too frequently by design engineers – the shortage of space made available for building services plant.
![Polypipe, MecFlow, PPR, pipe, Clickweld](http://cdn595.pressflex.net/images//18956.photo.2.jpg?m=1572445179)
Polypipe clicks into water market
A new ground-breaking plastic water supply system for the UK commercial market, called MecFlow, has been launched by Polypipe Building Services.
![Lochinvar, low NOx, NOx, gas fired, water heater, ErP](http://cdn595.pressflex.net/images//18957.photo.2.jpg?m=1572445319)
Steel storage vessels from Lochinvar
Lochinvar has launched a new low NOx emission version of the Charger direct gas-fired commercial water heater to help meet air quality targets.
![Grundfos, Product Centre, GPC, sizing tool, online, pumps](http://cdn595.pressflex.net/images//18958.photo.2.jpg?m=1572446991)
The Grundfos Product Center (GPC) is a bespoke online search and sizing tool that will help specifiers and installers choose the right pump to meet the requirements of any project. It can also be very helpful for engineers aiming to find out more information about the pumps they already have.
![Grundfos, pumps, circulator, UPS3, circulator pump](http://cdn595.pressflex.net/images//18959.photo.2.jpg?m=1572447112)
Boost your circulation with Grundfos
Since the launch of the UPS3 15-50/60, it has gained a significant following of supporters and those numbers are continuing to grow.
![Mitsubishi Electric, London office, energy efficiency, London Plan](http://cdn595.pressflex.net/images//18960.photo.2.jpg?m=1572447243)
Mitsubishi Electric has launched a new London office and a specialist team dedicated to delivering energy efficient HVAC solutions in the capital. The office, located at Sustainable Bankside II in Southwark, demonstrates Mitsubishi Electric’s commitment to supporting the growing construction market in London and is specifically aimed at bolstering its consultative offering.
![Dunham-Bush, Charles Darwin School, school, radiant panels, heating, Evolution, sports hall](http://cdn595.pressflex.net/images//18961.photo.2.jpg?m=1572514631)
Dunham-Bush evolves school solution
It was a case of natural selection when Dunham-Bush Evolution radiant panels were installed at the recently refurbished sports hall and gymnasium at the Charles Darwin School in Biggin Hill, Kent.
![Grundfos Pumps, pumps, Sligo University hospital, Energy Check, Magna3, TPE3](http://cdn595.pressflex.net/images//18962.photo.2.jpg?m=1572514764)
Hospital targets energy savings
Grundfos Pumps were delighted to play their part in helping a hospital achieve energy savings by providing the Sligo University Hospital with a detailed Energy Check report. This outlined the energy savings that were achievable by exchanging the hospital’s existing pumps with intelligent MAGNA3 and TPE3 pumps.
![Toshiba Carrier, TCUK, Lambeth Palace, library, AquaSnap, chillers, heat pumps](http://cdn595.pressflex.net/images//18963.photo.2.jpg?m=1572515663)
Carrier books successful project at Lambeth
Precious books and manuscripts dating back nearly 1,000 years will be protected in controlled environmental conditions courtesy of high efficiency Carrier AquaSnap chillers and heat pumps in a new world-class library at Lambeth Palace, home of the Archbishop of Canterbury.
![NIBE, heat pumps, domestic, Chipping Homes, Ribble Valley](http://cdn595.pressflex.net/images//18964.photo.2.jpg?m=1572515827)
Heat pumps for Ribble Valley homes
Developer Chipping Homes has specified air source heat pumps from NIBE for its attractive Fellside development in the picturesque village of Chipping in the Ribble Valley, which comprises 39 family homes.
![Elta Fans, Pizza Hut, QUBE, centrifugal, box fan](http://cdn595.pressflex.net/images//18965.photo.2.jpg?m=1572515965)
Slice of success for Elta Fans at Pizza Hut
A nationwide project to upgrade Pizza Hut’s kitchen ventilation systems to a higher performing, energy efficient solution is underway. Project manager Marcus Sawkins of GFMS Services has already upgraded several of the restaurants’ systems with the Elta Fans QUBE Centrifugal Box Fan which is reducing energy usage.
![Trox, Birmingham University, laboratories, VAV, Easylab, air management](http://cdn595.pressflex.net/images//18966.photo.2.jpg?m=1572516069)
Trox discovered in Birmingham Uni labs
Trox Easylab air management systems, VAV units, and fume cupboard controllers have been chosen to optimise energy efficiency at the new BREEAM 'Excellent'-rated Collaborative Teaching Laboratory (CTL) at the University of Birmingham.
![Hoval, UltraGas, condensing](http://cdn595.pressflex.net/images//18969.photo.2.jpg?m=1572867151)
Hoval extends UltraGas condensing range
Hoval has extended the upper range of its popular UltraGas condensing boilers with the launch of the UltraGas (1550) – a 1550kW boiler that features a remarkably small footprint for its output of just 3.3m2. The Hoval UltraGas (1550) is currently available as a single boiler and will be launched as a double boiler in the spring of 2020.
Nathan Wood on the BESA Health & Wellbeing Group
BESA Group Chair Nathan Wood on what the Health & Wellbeing in Buildings Group aims to achieve.
![Round table, Swegon, smart buildings, productivity, wellbeing, smart kit, design, installation, operation](http://cdn595.pressflex.net/images//18948.photo.1.jpg?m=1572438493)
This month’s MBS round table, sponsored by Swegon, considered the rise of the smart building and smart kit.
![modbs tv logo](/img/modbstv.png)
Smart and sustainable
Schneider Electric has announced its smart energy management solutions feature in the London headquarters of design, engineering and consulting group Sidara.
Fields of green
Lochinvar has provided a complete heating and hot water system powered by four air source heat pumps for a new luxury 72-bedroom care home set in rolling Yorkshire countryside.