2022 April

Giving building managers the power to make informed, data-driven decisions that reduce CO₂ emissions, optimise energy efficiency and create a more sustainable world, says  Dr. Thorsten Müller, Head of Global Product Group: Building and Home Automation Solutions at ABB

Engineering services alliance Actuate UK is working with Energy Systems Catapult (ESC) – an independent, not for profit, centre of excellence for energy systems innovation and transformation for net zero - on a strategy to boost the creation of a skilled workforce that will play a central role in reducing emissions from the built environment and deliver on the government carbon targets.

The Scottish Construction Leadership Forum (CLF) launches a new guide - Summary of Funding and Business Support Available to Scottish Construction Companies. The guide is just one of the actions from the Scottish Government (SG) funded CLF Recovery Plan of actions aligned with SG policies and the Construction Scotland Industry Strategy.

Post-pandemic life is still uncertain. Priorities have changed and targets shifted. New and flexible forms of work (“New Work”) as well as the growing importance of employee satisfaction present companies with new challenges. Buildings nowadays are also measured by whether they provide a productivity-enhancing and inspiring environment. Leighton James, Product & Marketing Director, TRILUX and Alex Klein, Director of Sales, wtec tells us more.

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.

This year, England, Scotland and Wales are taking significant steps towards achieving net zero carbon emissions with the introduction of tougher building energy efficiency standards. In addition to these efforts to cut the operational impact from buildings, there is also growing pressure to address their embodied impact. These are the emissions from the processes needed to construct, maintain and deal with a building at end of life. As a result, project teams are being increasingly asked to consider these factors as part of the design and specification of projects. 

80% of the buildings that we’ll use in 2050 – the UK’s target for achieving net-zero – have already been built. Reducing the energy requirement of these buildings is a key step in the transition to zero carbon. Caitriona Jordan, head of retrofit programmes at Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC), looks at how. 

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.

Testo have launched a new multifunction IAQ measuring instrument to the UK market. The testo 400 offers innovative functions which make the user’s job easier in every way, and allow reliable, norm-compliant measurement and documentation; designed for engineers to cover a wide range of potential applications including airflow measurement within ducts and outlets, plus measurement of many IAQ parameters such as ambient CO2, temperature, and humidity.

Modutherm has launched the MTA PLUS – a new, high performance heat interface unit (HIU) which has been specifically designed for use in 4^th 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

Modutherm has introduced the Genesis FS ULTRA range of floor standing gas condensing boilers. Ideally suited to larger commercial heating applications, including schools, offices, retail outlets, hotels or heat networks, the flagship FS ULTRA is available in eight models with outputs ranging from 334kW to 2666kW from a single unit, or cascade installations up to 16 boilers

In response to increasing demand for anti-vibration solutions for mechanical installations, Walraven has recently expanded its portfolio of vibration supports under the brand name Walraven VibraTek®.

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.

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

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.

A leading UK Retail giant’s distribution centre, located in Milton Keynes is a state-of-the-art facility and is one of the UK’s largest, covering a 45 acres site – the size of 12 football pitches.

Combat Heating Solutions have launched a new website which has been designed and updated to offer a more user-friendly experience with improved navigation, functionality and the addition of a technical help page providing users with easy access to essential information.

Hoval’s latest generation of gas condensing boilers, offers the option of using hydrogen as an alternative fuel to natural gas to help reduce carbon emissions. Moreover, gas-fired models that are installed now can easily be converted to hydrogen in the future. UltraGas® 2 is also compatible with biomethane.

Gary Perry, Managing Director at Altecnic, explores how beneficial component flexibility, through the design, installation, and maintenance processes, can be for multi occupancy dwellings, and discusses how a water meter valve assembly is often the most ideal component for any water system serving multiple dwellings.

Fear of automation is nothing new. When William Lee threatened to revolutionise Britain’s textile industry with an automated knitting machine in 1589, Queen Elizabeth refused the patent, arguing: “thou aimest high, Master Lee. Consider thou what the invention could do to my poor subjects. It would assuredly bring to them ruin by depriving them of employment, thus making them beggars.”

Alex Burgess, National Sales Manager at Clyde Radiators, looks at the wide-ranging factors to consider when specifying radiators within commercial environments, and how the correct specification can help to meet carbon reduction targets.

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.