2025 January

Rinnai’s Chris Goggin looks at the potential impact of the new American President, Donald Trump, may have on international energy issues. This objective analysis on the global energy transition will cover carbon emissions, energy options and all climate issues relating to Net Zero. There is no conclusion but many questions.

Rinnai is introducing a wide and comprehensive selection of unvented water heaters to add to and complement the existing range of cylinders solutions.

Zumtobel, and its sister brand Thorn, both lighting brands of the Zumtobel Group, have been instrumental in enhancing the lighting solutions at Kao Data’s state-of-the-art campus.

Airmec has been working with The Gym Group to plan and execute a nationwide strategic approach that has made sure fire dampers were tested and prompt remedial work was scheduled where necessary.

Gavin Harris, HVAC Product Manager – North at Kingspan Technical Insulation, and TIPCHECK Expert Level 1, explains how TIPCHECK – an energy assessment process for industrial projects – helps to pinpoint the improvements to building services insulation and provide the most significant energy and cost savings.

Controlling costs in construction projects is always a challenge, with volatility in the price of materials often a key factor. Fluctuations in metal prices, for example, can have far-reaching impacts on project budgets, timelines and profitability. In this article, Nathaniel Watts, Finance Director at Selkent, explores some effective ways to mitigate these risks and control project costs.

The efficiency and reliability of the heating and cooling systems within a hospital are crucial – just a couple of hours’ downtime can impact on the comfort of patients and staff unless there is a fallback position. However, if a cooling system fails, then this could have a major impact on such devices as an MRI scanner. Steve Simmonds, Spirotech’s Special Projects Engineer, outlines the key areas that need to be considered to ensure an HVAC system works efficiently and reliably.

Ideal Heating Commercial has released a new CIBSE-approved CPD: Understanding refrigerants & how they affect the choice of commercial heat pumps. It addresses both synthetic and natural refrigerants, and provides valuable advice for customers seeking the most energy efficient commercial heat pump.

Swedish heat pump manufacturer Qvantum has officially introduced its UK business, with invited guests attending the launch event at its new headquarters in Moorgate, London.

Hamworthy Heating’s products range includes the Stratton mk3 wall-hung condensing boiler. 

Condair has released a new 10-Point Guide to Humidity Control in Cleanrooms. This informative document provides an easy-to-follow overview for managing humidity in closely controlled environments.

Diffusion has successfully completed its Embodied Carbon Calculations on its product portfolio, in accordance with the latest CIBSE ‘TM65 Embodied Carbon in Building Services: A Calculation Methodology (2021)’ digital tool requirements.

Nuaire has released a new CIBSE approved CPD: ‘An Introduction to Passivhaus’. The CPD, which is aimed at the commercial market, focuses on the principles that define a Passivhaus and its ventilation criteria; the benefits of Passivhaus, especially in relation to Net Zero, along with a comprehensive understanding of the Passivhaus certification process.

The new CIBSE-accredited CPD from GF Building Flow Solutions (formerly Uponor) offers valuable insight into the many benefits of multi-layered composite (MLC) pipework, with a particular focus on its hygienic and sustainability credentials. 

The heat network sector is set to see major changes in 2025, with the design, operation and management of heat networks across the UK likely to be heavily impacted by new regulations. Alex Hill, Managing Director at Whitecode Consulting, explains the importance of these new regulations and why it’s vital that managing agents and building owners seek independent advice to ensure their heat networks fully comply.

Ed Haslett, Divisional Director – Critical Facilities UK & Ireland at Zumtobel Group, says it is time to rethink data centre emergency lighting for increased reliability of life-critical systems.

Rinnai is continuously expanding and updating its entire product offering to include all fuels and appliances for installation as stand-alone units or as part of hybrid systems for larger commercial sites.

Carrier Commercial HVAC has completed a chiller replacement project at one of London’s most extraordinary venues, the ArcelorMittal Orbit in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford.

Distech Controls has installed of its Eclypse building management system (BMS) at the Grand Palais, Paris, providing a comprehensive solution that addresses heating and cooling production as well as occupant comfort.

The Kingspan KoolDuct System has been fitted
by PMP Manufacturing as part of the major refurbishment of the lower ground floor of an office building in Farringdon, providing a Grade-A space which has achieved an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of A and a BREEAM rating of Excellent.

Two Imax Xtra 2 240kW Ideal Heating Commercial condensing boilers have been installed at Hull Maritime Museum as part of a major restoration project to the Grade II listed building.

Paul Burrows, Solutions Architect at the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS), takes a look back on labour costs and expected movement in 2025.

BESA President Adrian Hurley looks ahead to the priorities for 2025 and argues that the need for a national programme of building retrofits with full government backing is becoming increasingly urgent.

Dr Anastasia Mylona, Technical Director at CIBSE, celebrates the organisation’s achievements in 2024 and looks ahead to 2025 and beyond.

For the fourth year running, Baxi is partnering with Primary Engineer to bring STEM into classrooms in the Preston area and inspire a new generation of engineers.

With 2025 approaching and just a quarter-century remaining for the UK to achieve its Net Zero goals, Carrier HVAC Service is urging building owners and operators to consider the significant environmental and financial benefits of upgrading, modernising, and retrofitting their HVAC systems.

The ninth annual Build2Perform Live, hosted by CIBSE on 13th-14th November 2024 at ExCel London, attracted an impressive turnout, solidifying its status as the go-to gathering for professionals, thought leaders and innovators in the sector.

The Association of Electrical and Mechanical Trades (AEMT) returned to Coventry on Thursday 21st November for its 7th Annual Awards Ceremony. This year’s event saw a record number of entries across eight categories, showcasing outstanding contributions from the electro-mechanical industry.

Construction has been named the second most dangerous occupation globally, following the publication of the latest Lloyd’s Register Foundation World Risk Poll report.

A new survey of heat pump installers has identified the main pain points surrounding the industry, focusing on customer misconceptions and issues with system design and specification. 

A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers from the University of Cambridge has revealed that at least 70% of people in the construction industry report feeling stressed at work, and this not only has a negative impact on job performance but also personal life. The findings highlight the urgent need for effective strategies to combat workplace stress.

Which? is calling on the government to provide more support for greener home heating and cars, as new research shows cost and other barriers are putting people off making the switch.

Andrew Steel, Managing Director at Airmec Essential Services, highlights the importance of accurate testing of local exhaust ventilation systems.

To keep up with increasing data centre construction demand, a range of energy solutions are now required to break the bottlenecks that frequently lead to penalties, delays and missed deadlines. In this article, Billy Durie, Global Sector Head for Data Centres at Aggreko, explains why integrating battery energy storage systems (BESS) as part of a broader, end-to-end solution is critical to keeping up with demand.

Alan Siggins, Managing Director of Airflow, explains the current legislation surrounding the UK’s indoor air quality standards.