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. 

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. 

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).

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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   

We heard from builder-turned-architect Peter Watson, about the challenges of making sustainability sustainable

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

A thoughtful insight on women within building technology provided by Newcastle College

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. 

Mervyn Pilley of the Energy Systems and Technology Association (ESTA) is not mincing his words. 

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

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. 

 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.

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.

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..

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

When building occupants think of wellbeing and how to improve their surroundings, HVAC systems may not be at the top of their list.

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.

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

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.

The pump has always been the beating heart of any HVAC system, however with the latest generation of Armstrong DE pumps the heart of your building now has a brain.

The headline news in February was that the Committee for Climate Change (CCC) has recommended that no new homes be added to the gas grid from 2025. And that our existing domestic building stock be weaned off gas in no short order.

“In this issue we look to the future of buildings, while assessing where we really are. While it’s fun to consider where technology such as the Internet of Things might take us down the line, it is important to bear in mind the realities of applying technology to real buildings.

By Andrew Boothroyd, Energy Upgrade and Service Director, Armstrong Fluid Technology

"There are some years that really do seem longer than others, and 2018 is one of them. Let’s be honest, Brexit is straining everyone’s nerves. Our Annual Survey shows it as top of the list of concerns for businesses in our sector.

A phrase now truer than ever as the digital age has empowered every consumer to review their experience at every shop, café, and restaurant. These positive or negative reviews may have the ability to make or break a business. This does however raise standards for business owners as they compete to increase customer satisfaction. Now, this culture of improved customer service is spreading to other industries including commercial and residential building landlords.