2026 April

Georg Fischer is redefining standards in acoustic comfort with its innovative Silenta range of acoustic drainage pipes, engineered to significantly reduce noise while delivering outstanding reliability and performance.

Ian Ellis, Marketing Manager at Siemens Buildings, discusses the issue of indoor air quality in education.

Rinnai Director Chris Goggin explains the benefits of utilising BioLPG as a low carbon solution for commercial applications. BioLPG is an easily deployed “drop in” solution for off grid premises, whether they be domiciles or commercial properties. BioLPG is an environmentally friendly solution that offers identical performance to all other gas-based off-grid energies.

Rinnai’s Operations Director Chris Goggin revisits the skills shortage problem that is permeating throughout the UK and international HVAC industry. This article will look at the root causes and what action the UK government is implementing as a solution.

Newly appointed BCIA President Jen Vickers highlights the untapped potential of building energy management systems.

What we now describe as a smart building is often framed through technology, yet its significance lies in a deeper shift in how buildings are expected to perform. Imogen Butterworth, New Project Engineer at Sontay, reflects on how commercial and civic buildings operated 35 years ago, largely silent, schedule driven and disconnected, and contrasts this with today’s demand for buildings that are responsive, efficient and centred on human experience.

The leisure industry is a diverse sector encompassing a broad range of facilities from outdoor sport spaces to large fitness complexes. While the nature and size of the venues will vary, a common requirement is the assured availability of efficient, reliable and safe hot water, including during peak demand. As organisations look to reduce the carbon intensity of heat in their facilities, Andy Green, Head of Technical Solutions at Baxi, explores all-electric hot water design options for shower facilities in caravan and camping parks and sports pavilions.

Reduction of energy usage in laboratory spaces is a highly effective way of tackling operational costs and improving environmental performance, but this requires extremely careful consideration. In this article, Ian Thomas, Product Manager – LabControls at TROX UK, highlights key approaches which reduce energy usage whilst maintaining or enhancing the safety and control of the laboratory environment.

Building on the success of its ECOMOD 290HT natural refrigerant commercial heat pumps, Ideal Commercial Heating has expanded the range to include a 65kW model to meet demand for higher output systems. 

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Air Conditioning Europe has introduced its next-generation residential air conditioning range, the ZT Series. 

Chris Goggin explains what E-methane is, how it is produced and its potential relevance inside the UK alternative gasses market. An informed synopsis of the progress that e-methane is making in becoming relevant will be used to highlight how e-methane can contribute towards carbon reduction aims.

Energy Savings Solutions of Malta, headed by Franco Bileci, the sole suppliers of Rinnai heating & continuous flow hot water heating products, are approaching their 20^th anniversary of successful trading on this jewelled island. 

A Baxi air source heat pump (ASHP) system is supplying energy efficient, low carbon hot water to a new state-of-the-art shower facility at Carmarthenshire Council’s award-winning caravan and camping park.

Panasonic has completed a recent install at Ellis Training Centre in Hertford. In 2025, Ellis Training, a leading UK HVAC&R training provider, completed a long-anticipated move into its new permanent home, a stunning former Methodist church built in 1891.

To support the sustainability objectives of a postgraduate college, Vaillant has collaborated with Darwin College at Cambridge University to help transition its heating and hot water supply from gas boilers to low carbon heat pumps at one of its student accommodation blocks.

Richard Braid, Managing Director of Keraflo, discusses why accurate monitoring and proactive management of cold water storage systems has become a critical priority for building services engineers.

Selecting the appropriate insulation is critical for heat pump systems to cope with environmental conditions and maintain efficient heating performance. Here, Tom Merton, Technical Manager at Armacell UK, looks at why this approach is best implemented for external pipework.

Peter Wolff, Global Manager, Ecosystems and Performance Upgrades at Armstrong Fluid Technology, explains how to avoid disappointing pump performance.

Steve McConnell, Director, Manufacturers of Equipment for Heat Networks Association (MEHNA), explains why the publication of Technical Standard TS1 marks a defining moment for the UK heat network sector.

Tridonic UK has supported the successful redevelopment of Reed Smith’s new London headquarters at 1 Blossom Yard, delivering a connected, future-ready lighting solution in partnership with Artech Lighting. 

Group Metropolitan’s Northern team has successfully completed a bespoke laboratory fit-out project for a blue-chip client in Knutsford, delivering a highly complex and advanced data hall facility within a 30-week programme.

New research has revealed that many local authorities in England are making significant strides in retrofitting their buildings, adopting renewable energy and electrifying infrastructure as part of their Net Zero journeys. Despite this, two-thirds are not confident they will achieve targets by 2050, with 79% citing budget constraints as a significant barrier.

Daikin has announced that 7,333 installers completed its specialist heat pump training programmes throughout 2025 – a 20% year-on-year increase that underscores the growing demand for heat pump expertise in the UK.

The 2025 MBS subscriber prize draw has been won by Craig Woods of Woods and Associates. 

BSRIA has released its latest analysis on Europe’s HVAC field devices market, reporting growth driven by regulatory pressures, digitalisation and the drive for better building performance. 

Polypipe Building Services has enhanced manufacturing efficiency, productivity and sustainability through a major programme of automation investment at its production facility in Aylesford.

The Engineering and Building Services Skills Alliance (EBSSA) has published its strategic Sector Skills Plan, as part of the work undertaken by the Construction Mission Skills Board.

Andrew Jones, Technical Director at Axair Fans, explains how strong supplier relationships aren’t defined by the absence of failure. They’re defined by what happens when things get messy.

Prescribing a solution before diagnosing the problem is a common mistake when managing air movement systems. Correct diagnosis before action can avoid new problems, and save money and trust, sayd Andrew Jones of Axair.