
Advertorial - There’s more to a VSD than meets the eye
ABB’s Chris Plumb explores some of the hidden functionality that can help users of variable speed drives (VSDs) to further optimise their HVAC processes, as well as save energy.
The demands on our office buildings have changed over the last few years: flexibility, digitalisation and energy efficiency are what’s important. At the same time, these buildings should create a comfortable, healthy and safe environment for employees.

The demands on our office buildings have changed over the last few years: flexibility, digitalisation and energy efficiency are what’s important. At the same time, these buildings should create a comfortable, healthy and safe environment for employees.

Wanted - Volunteer Professional Advisors – Building Services, Sustainability and the Environment
Are you a low carbon, sustainability, or building-services professional, willing to volunteer to help the Church of England with the challenge of Net Zero Carbon? Or an ecologist, able to input on the management of our precious churchyard habitats?

ABB’s Chris Plumb explores some of the hidden functionality that can help users of variable speed drives (VSDs) to further optimise their HVAC processes, as well as save energy.

Job Vacancy - MECHANICAL CLERK OF WORKS (Projects) -
We are currently looking for an individual to join our vibrant and dynamic Projects and Small works Teams who is self-motivated and proactive, can work independently and as part of a team and can work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.

Data centres consume huge amounts of energy, much of which goes into cooling. Carl Turbitt, HVAC Drives – UK Sales Manager, ABB, explains how, when it comes to achieving sustainability, variable speed drives (VSDs) are the best-performing technology available.

SAV Systems is proud to announce that the AirMaster AM 1000 has been awarded Passivhaus Component certification in conjunction with their Danish partner, Airmaster A/S.

Advertorial - Integrated thermal energy management and billing made easier than ever.
Belimo, the leading manufacturer of damper actuators, control valves and sensors for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning technology, brings the worlds of “energy control” and “certified energy measurement and billing” together.

Advertorial - Altecnic Heat Interface Unit records impressive results in BESA test
The Altecnic SATK32107 Heat Interface Unit (HIU) records industry beating results during rigorous ‘UK Standard for Heat Interface Units’ test, coordinated by the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA).

White Paper - Delivering good indoor air quality through whole building climate contol
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) “Air pollution from both outdoor and indoor sources represents the single largest environmental risk to health globally,” and causes seven million deaths a year, worldwide.

Advertorial - Harmonics and HVAC
ABB’s Carl Turbitt explains how harmonic currents can impact HVAC systems – and what can be done about them.

Women In STEM: Breaking into A Man’s World
A thoughtful insight on women within building technology provided by Newcastle College

Advertorial: VRV 5: The Modern Choice
With more modern technologies at their disposal, building services professionals now have the ability to dramatically reduce CO2 emissions across light commercial and residential air-conditioning installations. Recent innovations, such as Daikin’s VRV 5 system are helping to forge new ground in the area. The leading solution is able to deliver powerful results, alongside strong sustainable performance.

Advertorial - EC fans vs VSDs: which is better?
Carl Turbitt, HVAC Drives – UK Sales Manager, ABB, explains why when it comes to deciding between EC fans and a variable speed drive and motor solutions, comparing efficiency alone will not provide the full picture.

Advertorial - A smart future for building management
James Cooper, Product Manager at ebm-papst UK looks at how to improve BMS Solutions

ABB’s Carl Turbitt explains how it’s never been easier to quickly and cost-effectively plug the knowledge gaps in your organisation – all it needs is an hour of your time.

Actuate intends to become an agent for positive change
Steve Bratt, CEO of ECA – Electrical and Engineering Services, a Director of Actuate UK and a member of the Construction Leadership Council Task Force Group expands on the four key strategic areas on Actuate UK’s agenda
Letters to the editor, March 2021
We heard from builder-turned-architect Peter Watson, about the challenges of making sustainability sustainable

Steve Bird, C ENg, CIBSE, ASHRAE, got in touch

Responding to the Summer Budget
The Chancellor's Summer Statement indicates the government has heard the calls of the renewables industry. Max Halliwell asks: What next?

Making the transition to net zero operations is an important priority for every business, says Kirti Rudra of ENGIE

The UK Green Building Council has released their framework for net zero carbon buildings. Beverley Quinn of TUV SUD talks us through it.

We need a green recovery and we need it now
Mervyn Pilley of the Energy Systems and Technology Association (ESTA) is not mincing his words.

Skills and employment - where next?
What will the post-Covid employment and skills landscape look like?

Preparing for reopening - an HVAC checklist.
As we head towards the new normal, many businesses will be returning to work in offices and workspaces that may have been closed for up to three months. Colin Swanick of Kimpton presents a checklist to consider.

Bringing our buildings back into service
As lockdowns ease, the challenge of safely bringing buildings back into use emerges. Lee Hargreaves of Buro Happold looks at what will be needed.

First, I hope all our readers are well. And that your businesses are functioning as effectively as possible in these unprecedented times.

This month, MBS has been talking to the industry about meeting the challenge to lower carbon emissions from the built environment.

The growing importance of biometric technology on construction sites
As anyone who has ever worked in the construction industry knows, every construction project has its own specific risks, and without accurate risk management, profitability suffers.

THE ATCM Maximising cistern or tank holding capacity
Maximising the actual holding capacity of any cistern or tank has to be beneficial both in space saving and overall cost. Bellmouth Overflow and Raised Float Valve Housing fittings are important add on features available to the tank designer to assist in achieving this goal..

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.

The ATCM Cisterns and tanks – as time goes by
In a traditional industry such as water engineering and supply one might think nothing much changes when viewed from a consumer aspect. Water still flows out of the tap on demand.
However the last ten years have seen considerable activity behind the scenes, resulting in a safer, more efficient water product.

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.

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.

FUTUREPROOFING LONG-TERM PROJECTS
When a project has a particularly long timescale it is essential to rethink the HVAC strategy. District energy schemes, for example, are typically rolled-out gradually, linking additional buildings to the network over an extended period (years rather than months.

Climate change protests should not be wasted
Protesting about climate change should be encouraged, although sticking yourself (or parts of your anatomy) to the CEO’s door, window or car is not. The immediacy and importance of the debate could help you change your organisation’s policy in this area.

18TH EDITION A GREAT STEP FORWARD
Following the enactment of the BS 7671:2018 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations at the beginning of this year, Mark Williams, lead marketing manager for cable management at Legrand UK, focuses on one element of the changes and what it means for building managers.

As Leonardo da Vinci wrote: “Water is the driving force of all nature”. That’s why the Association of Tank and Cistern Manufacturers (ATCM) was established to help our members provide quality products and services to the built environment sector.

Energy efficiency is becoming a bigger priority at the top of UK businesses
2019 could be one of the most significant year to raise awareness of energy efficiency in businesses, with continuing technological progress and some important policy changes.

SMART TECHNOLOGY IS TAKING HOLD IN HVAC SOLUTIONS AND CHANGING THE DYNAMIC IN THE MARKET.
Smart home and smart building applications are raising expectations for home owners and building administrators, and for good reason. The smart technology available on the market has the potential to make our lives more convenient and more efficient. This technology is also being implemented in the HVAC market and improving the effectiveness and value of our HVAC systems.

Today’s fast-paced business world is requiring companies to actively seek out new opportunities in order to keep up with the competition and gain a stronger foothold in the market.

SECR? DON’T FORGET TO ASK THE PUMP
With the introduction of the Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) policy, the number of companies needing to measure and provide usage data to the government will almost treble.

18-20 June 2019, ExCeL London

Renu Chopra considers the impact of social media on retail property.

Wellbeing - it's about control
When building occupants think of wellbeing and how to improve their surroundings, HVAC systems may not be at the top of their list.

The role of every FM varies – dependent on industry sector and the demands of the working environment.

Our cover this month refers to buildings as sources of productivity for occupants. A well-designed, engineered and constructed building enhances the performance of people in it, as a number of our expert writers explain.

At this point it would be useful if MBS could give its readers a clear indication of how Brexit will affect the industry. Unfortunately, at the time of writing (26th March), I’m unable to offer any concrete conclusions – rather like the government itself.

Smart Buildings Expo, a major new addition to Facilities Show 2019, is set to showcase the products, innovations and thought leadership driving the smart buildings market.

Grenfell is the building industry's Piper Alpha says CIBSE
The recent passage of the Building Safety Act is a welcome recognition of the fact that making safe buildings is a highly skilled operation says the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers, endorsing the need for more effective regulation and a profound change in culture.
Underlying project-starts uptick indicates gradual recovery, Glenigan data suggests
- 13% rise in detailed planning approvals against the preceding three months
- 18% decline in main contract awards against the previous year
- 9% increase in underlying starts during the three months to May
Glenigan has released the June 2022 edition of its Construction Review.