Matteo Dall’Ombra, VRV Specialist, Product Management and Engineering Group at Daikin explains how by taking a whole-building approach to HVAC, it is possible to balance the drive for energy efficiency with the need to improve indoor air quality.

Managing humidity is an ongoing concern for building professionals working on construction sites that is growing in prominence. With the UK recently struck by storms, many projects have been disrupted by damaging floods and this topic is now rising back in the spotlight. Matt Watson of Aggreko explores how to effectively dry out sites without long-term issues.

It’s fair to say that indoor air quality has been a hidden issue for many years, but the COVID-19 pandemic has put it firmly at the top of the public agenda. Hern Yau of Mitsubishi Electric speaks out. 

According to Korn Ferry (a global HR consulting firm) 50% of worldwide workers are afraid to return to their offices despite social distancing practices that have been implemented, such as limiting occupancy, employee temperature scanning, face masks, special workspace accommodations and additional cleaning measures. David Schurk looks at the issues.

Digital technology has opened up significant opportunities for the reduction of energy consumption in air conditioning systems. Variable Air Volume (VAV) systems in particular have derived enormous benefit from digital control. If your current control methodology is based along traditional lines however, Ian Thomas of Trox Uk suggests there could be valuable additional energy savings waiting to be unlocked. 

It’s likely that people will be returning to offices soon so now is an ideal opportunity to address the issue of air quality inside our buildings. How can you prepare buildings for the arrival of staff, whether in co-working spaces or as the sole tenants asks Mark Grayston, Product Manager, Mitsubishi Electric.

CIAT has extended its range of air handling units (AHUs) with the addition of higher capacity units with the option of high-efficiency heat recovery. 

A powerful ultra-violet C (UV-C) light disinfection system that targets viruses and bacteria is now available as an integrated option on CIAT’s air handling units (AHUs). 

Munters recently completed a pioneering upgrade of the dry dock air handling unit (AHU) at Brunel’s SS Great Britain.  The upgrade, which was carried out in just one day, ensures long term protection against corrosion, while reducing AHU fan energy consumption by 25-30%.  

The air we breathe can have a significant impact on both our physical and mental health, with Public Health England estimating that air pollution is responsible for anywhere between 28,000 and 36,000 deaths each year. This shocking statistic, combined with the fact that on average people spend 90% of their time indoors, demonstrates why indoor air quality is now a leading concern. Martin Passingham, Product Management and Training Manager at Daikin UK explains why.

Waterloo have strengthened their product offering by replacing their displacement range with the full portfolio of Swegon displacement products. By integrating a range of airborne products from the Swegon group, the supplier of air terminal devices can deliver the widest range of room unit products in the UK market. 

Andrew Hamshere, Managing Director of Sensing Precision, highlights the importance of leakage testing.

New research suggests mechanical ventilation halves the risk of spreading airborne diseases in schools and offices compared to natural ventilation.  

Effective ventilation and draught management achieve even distribution of air without compromising end user comfort or efficiency. Tim Mitchell, sales and marketing director of Klima-Therm, explains how.

Computer modeling used to simulate air flow and movement of particulates in hotel common areas; demonstrates that filtration can potentially improve air quality and guests’ confidence in hotel stays

Titon has recently supplied the new Fire Safe Air Brick® at the new Timber Works residential development in Cambridge. 

Munters, global leaders in energy efficient climate control, recently completed a pioneering upgrade of the dry dock air handling unit (AHU) at Brunel’s SS Great Britain.  

One of the world’s first fan manufacturers has unveiled a dynamic new look as part of a forward-thinking transformational programme aimed at global expansion.  

Martin Passingham explores the subject of indoor air quality and how effective ventilation is the cornerstone of achieving an optimal indoor environment.

Titon are pleased to announce the release of a new revolutionary dMEV that ticks all the right boxes. 

Munters, global leaders in climate control, recently replaced an obsolete desiccant dehumidifier with a more energy efficient solution at Floranova.  

Simon Ward, Director of Sales UK & Ireland, Distech Controls talks about how the comfort and wellbeing of occupants in commercial buildings is now in focus more than ever before. We are not just considering energy efficiency when it comes to the Building Management System (BMS) it is also about Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and how it can improve comfort

We need a more technology-based approach to keeping people safe and comfortable inside buildings, especially as we move into the colder autumn and winter months, according to Tim Mitchell, Sales Director of Klima-Therm

Phil Deverick, Commercial Manager, Fujitsu General Air Conditioning UK talks about the increased interest for greater indoor air quality

Workers returning to their places of work will rightly expect those buildings to be as safe from SARS-CoV-2 as reasonably possible, says Bill Anderson of Puravent. 

In order for the UK to get back to work, school and spending money, people need to be confident that the buildings they’re entering are as safe as they can be. With more evidence emerging that COVID-19 spreads in the air, we must ensure airborne pathogens are removed from our indoor environments. 

This year's CIBSE Napier Shaw medal was awarded to Jenny Crawley, Jez Wingfield and Cliff Elwell for their paper entitled ‘The relationship between airtightness and ventilation in new UK dwellings’. Jenny Crawley gives us an overview of their work. 

As buildings are reoccupied new challenges have appeared, not least limiting the risk of spreading the virus

A slightly scary statistic is that we now spend around 90% of our time indoors. How can BMS help improve the experience?

A slightly scary statistic is that we now spend around 90% of our time indoors. What can a well-designed BMS system do to improve that experience?

Delivery of a key, complex element of a core services building for a world-class centre without “a huge song and dance” has laid the foundation for a long-term working relationship.

British fan manufacturer Vent-Axia has been specified as part of a luxury 1,300m² new-build family home in Kingswood, Surrey. 

Gilberts can make air as fresh as possible within educational buildings, and thus achieve compliance with Government guidelines.

A new fine dust sensor from Siemens.

Gilberts balances rejuvenating a dilapidated Grade II* listed building with creating a carbon-zero new-build extension.

Nicotra Gebhardt extends their PFP plug fan offering

A new interactive online experience from Titon.

Newly published guidance on Ventilation changes things. Dominic Horne looks at how.

Independent air movement specialist Gilberts is delivering a 'knock-out punch' in delivery of customer needs.

IV Produkt say their new concept represents a new way of designing, transporting and assembling air handling units.

Laboratory buildings can be responsible for 50-80% of non-residential carbon emissions at research-intensive universities. Ian Thomas, Product Manager for Labcontrol at Trox, looks at the issues.

Carl Davison considers the role of building services in helping to address the challenge of air quality and its impact on human health.

In ensuring effective ventilation to maintain good indoor air quality it’s essential the system is designed to avoid creating draughts. Stephan Lang explains how problems can be avoided

The way a school is designed can significantly impact pupils’ productivity and overall wellbeing. Andy Williams explains why specifiers should look to intelligent, efficient ventilation solutions that create an environment which allows pupils to thrive.

Ventilation is an essential part of modern properties, yet on many occasions this vital component isn’t considered until late in the construction process. Lee Caulfield looks at the importance of MVHR systems being considered as early as possible during a building’s design.

Parag Rastogi explores why there is a new focus on providing healthy workplaces, and how technology is helping to achieve them.

As concern grows over rising traffic air pollution levels, authorities are responding urgently to the pressing need for action to protect people, especially those in cities. But what can building services professionals do to help? Peter Dyment explains.

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is the single biggest health issue for those living in cities. But which aspects of it should consulting engineers and contractors focus on? John Grenville offers two suggestions.

With less than a year of the transition period for international standards for air filtration to go, Peter Dyment of Camfil explains their implications.

There is much debate on trends in natural ventilation, but is it all hot air? Roy Jones of Gilberts of Blackpool shares some thoughts.