Abtec Building Technologies has recently completed a project to install a connected lighting system at a newly constructed brick factory in the East Midlands. Ibstock Brick, an Ibstock PLC company, has built a new factory capable of producing 100 million bricks a year, helping to address the UK’s housing shortage.

The importance of the distribution transformer should not be misunderstood – the technology plays a significant, but sometimes underestimated, role in the high voltage energy infrastructure of facilities across the country. Distribution transformers are energised 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Even when then don’t carry a load they ensure buildings receive the correct electricity supply that is safe for use and fit for requirements.

Installations of renewable energy generation have been declining month on month since February 2016. One of the main reasons behind the decline is due to a lack of understanding and inability to evaluate the feasibility of all renewable options available to a specific building.

Managing multiple buildings with controls can only be achieved by using the correct hardware, an effective protocol and a collaborative design approach, argues Paul Foulkes.

As housebuilders increasingly look to include ‘smart’ homes in their developments, as well as heating technology such as HIUs, Gary Perry explains why seamless integration is vital to optimise energy efficiencies.

Jon Belfield, President of the Building Controls Industry Association explores how connected buildings can help to achieve a substantial reduction in carbon emissions and why innovative methods increase energy efficiency while also reducing running costs.

Mark Stanton explains the benefits of investing in connected services to create truly intelligent buildings, and what to consider when doing so.

Jon Belfield, President of the Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) explains how joined-up thinking throughout the supply chain enables the connection of building services to a BMS.

Dave Lapsley considers the connected future and points to new approaches which are making integration for smart buildings much easier.

The KNX building control system is over 25 years old, yet for many people it’s still a new idea. Here Iain Gordon explains the concepts behind the technology and considers why it is gradually gaining more ground with controls engineers and clients.

Remote BEMS management is a cutting-edge controls option. Matt Peasnall goes behind the scenes to explain the benefits.

The commissioning of controls is beset with challenges, and yet with some forward-planning there are benefits for consultants, contractors and end-users. Karen Fletcher explores the issues with some of those at the front line.

The internet has affected almost every aspect of our lives. Malcolm Anson investigates how web-based services such as energy management and data analysis are already changing how buildings are controlled and managed for efficiency and comfort.