Modern Building Services

Location as the key to exploiting renewable energy

29 October, 2008

Many refurbishment projects provide scope for including low or zero carbon technologies. Ant Wilson of Faber Maunsell explores some of the options and their viabilities for different geographical locations.

Rooftop packaged units designed as exact drop-in replacements

27 October, 2008

To enable rooftop packaged air conditioners using R22 to be replaced easily, Carrier will make new units to fit exactly into the space occupied by the units being replaced. Such units are especially used in the retail sectors, and several Tesco stores in the south of England have recently benefited from this service.

Daikin VRV air conditioning helps revitalise London office building

27 October, 2008

Daikin heat-recovery VRV air conditioning contributes to the ‘good’ BREEAM rating of the comprehensive refurbishment of 25 Victoria Street in Central London, owned by Coal Pension Properties.

How managing voltage reduces electricity bills

27 October, 2008

The nature of the UK electricity supply means that much electrical equipment is served by a higher voltage than it is designed for — wasting energy and shortening its life. Angus Robertson explains how voltage power optimisation addresses these problems.

Honeywell expertise manages tricky chiller replacement

27 October, 2008

The UK refrigeration services business of Honeywell has management the replacement of chiller plant on the roof of a Unilever R&D facility at Colworth Science Park in Bedfordshire.

Refurbishment meets sustainability

27 October, 2008

The £37 million upgrade and refurbishment of Edinburgh’s Royal Commonwealth Pool provides the opportunity for a host of sustainability measures.

‘Alternative’ energy for air conditioning

27 October, 2008

With ever-increasing electrical loads in buildings putting a strain on the electricity supply, Graham Wright suggests a ‘dash for gas’ to power air-conditioning.

Exposing the flaws in air-conditioning systems

27 October, 2008

Mike Nankivell explains how the requirements of the Energy in Buildings Performance Directive for most commercial air-conditioning system installations to be inspected and the F-Gas Regulation’s leak-checking procedures should address some of the more basic design flaws, user error and maintenance failings that result in poor operating efficiency.

Turbocor compressor shows its energy-saving potential in chiller-replacement projects

27 October, 2008

The huge energy-saving capabilities of replacing aging chillers with new models incorporating the Danfoss Turbocor compressor in two recent projects is described by Ken Sharpe.

Fort Dunlop becomes Largest Mitsubishi water-cooled VRF air-conditioning installation

27 October, 2008

Over 120 Mitsubishi Electric water-cooled WR2 air-conditioning systems have been installed as part of the refurbishment of Fort Dunlop in Birmingham by Urban Splash — making it the largest such system in the UK.

Boiler replacement is only part of the story

27 October, 2008

Replacing a boiler will not in itself fully maximise the efficiency of the heating system. Engineers must take all aspects of the system into account when upgrading commercial heating, says John Bailey.

Realising the energy-saving benefits of variable-speed pumps

25 October, 2008

Integrating variable-speed pumps into the system they serve is the way to maximise energy savings. Wayne Rose explains how.

Ex-Or brings lighting under energy-efficient control

25 October, 2008

Ex-Or offers a complete range of energy- and cost-saving controls and managed lighting systems for new-build and refurbishment projects. They ensure compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations.

Elmhurst offers accreditation and training for EPCs and DECs

25 October, 2008

Elmhurst Energy has launched an accreditation scheme and training packages to enable qualified property-industry professionals to undertake energy-rating assessments and produce Energy Performance Certificates for commercial buildings and Display Energy Certificates for public buildings.

Managing grease in small commercial kitchens

25 October, 2008

The latest grease-management system from ACO Building Drainage is designed for small kitchens such as pubs, cafes, snack bars, cafeterias and tea rooms to dispose of fats, oils and grease that might cause blockages in pipes.

Compact circuit breakers monitor power and energy

25 October, 2008

Schneider Electric’s new Compact NSX range of moulded-case circuit breakers offers options for monitoring and communication — including both energy and power for what is said to be the first time.

Driving the pace of pipework prefabrication offsite

25 October, 2008

Large pipe projects are more often prefabricated off site than installed on a site — and smaller projects are catching up with this trend.

Putting energy issues above politics

25 October, 2008

CIBSE gold medallist and former president Brian Moss believes the expertise of engineers could transcend politics in reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions — even to the level of CIBSE partnering with the Government.

AquaTech Pressmain offers advice to reduce the problems of water hammer

25 October, 2008

AquaTech Pressmain has devised a 5-point plan to minimise the risk of hydraulic shock (water hammer) damaging pipework and fittings.

Hamworthy pumps up the pressure

25 October, 2008

Hamworthy Heating has introduced an extensive range of pumped pressurisation units. It includes floor-standing and wall-hung models suitable for heating and chilling systems in commercial buildings.

Enjoying the benefits of planned maintenance

25 October, 2008

Reduced cost, reduced risk and compliance with legislation are just some of the benefits of planned maintenance — as Greg Markham explains.

Adey improves the protection of central-heating systems

25 October, 2008

Adey Professional Heating Solutions has introduced a dual-action magnetic and non-magnetic filter to protect wet central-heating systems.

Grundfos drives open-loop geothermal system

25 October, 2008

A Grundfos SP 60 borehole pump plays a key role in the open-loop geothermal system that provides heating and cooling for the £36 million refurbishment of St Martin-in-the-Field church in London’s Trafalgar Square.

Keston boiler rig provides energy-efficient refurbishment solution

25 October, 2008

Keston Boilers has supplied a custom-built modular rig to provide energy-efficient and cost-effective heating and DHW for the refurbishment of Palmers Lodge youth hostel, a Victorian Grade 2 listed building in Swiss Cottage, London.

The sustainability credentials of multi-service chilled beams

25 October, 2008

The capability of multi-service chilled beams (MSCBs) to use chilled water at the relatively high temperatures of 14°C flow and 17°C return is highlighted by Trox as making the use renewable energy sources such ground water and heat pumps viable propositions.

Dalkia takes the biscuit with 5-year FM contract for Fox’s

25 October, 2008

Dalkia has won a 5-year contract to provide all hard facilities-management services for the major biscuit factory of Fox’s in Batley, West Yorkshire.

T&A partners with CCS to prevent legionella

25 October, 2008

Tour & Andersson has teamed up with central Chemical Services to provide a comprehensive service for controlling legionella in potable hot and cold water systems that is largely free of chemicals.

Clivet Aircon sees doubling of contract-maintenance business

25 October, 2008

Clivet Aircon reports that its contract maintenance business has more than doubled in the last 12 months and that demand for its Versatemp refurbishment and test regime programmes is at an all-time high.

Makeovers that renew

25 October, 2008

Maintaining and updating air-handling units can add years to their life and improve their energy efficiency. Andrew Knight explains.

RS trials replacement LED lighting

25 October, 2008

Distributor RS Components has begun a trial installation of Dialight LED downlighters in its Corby head office. Over a hundred Dialight HL 16 retro-fit LED units are replacing MR 16 halogen downlighters in the main corridor that leads to all the meeting rooms.

Air-conditioning distributor Oceanair is acquired by investment group

21 October, 2008

Air-conditioning distributor Oceanair Distribution, has been acquired by an investment group for an undisclosed sump. The deal does not affect Oceanair (UK), the Nottingham-based distributor, which continues as a separate stand-alone company.

Aqua completes project for Cambridge University

21 October, 2008

Aqua Mechanical Services has completed a £2.7 million contract for Willmott Dixon Construction for the installation of M&E services for a new research and teaching facility for the physics of medicine in Cambridge. The building is next to the world-famous Cavendish Laboratory.

Carillion signs MoD sustainable procurement charter

21 October, 2008

Support services and construction company Carillion has signed up to the Ministry of Defence’s sustainable procurement charter. The charter was signed by Carillion chief executive John McDonough and chief executive of Defence Estates Vice Admiral Tim Laurence.

BRA expresses concern about R22 leakage and reclaim

21 October, 2008

Over 1900 t of virgin R22 refrigerant was sold in the UK, all of it used to service R22 systems — according to the latest market survey from the British Refrigeration Association. Concerned about its effects on ozone depletion and global warming, the BRA and its members are urging the industry to improve system tightness, as required in the F Gas Regulations, and minimise leakage.

SES help complete new South Stand at Twickenham

21 October, 2008

SES has completed the installation of M&E services for the new South Stand at Twickenham, which brings the stadium’s capacity up to 82 000.

SummitSkills points to poor management skills inhibiting productivity

21 October, 2008

Productivity in the building-services engineering sector is being inhibited by poor management and leadership skills, according to research by SummitSkills, the Sector Skills Council for building-services engineering.

Professional networking with <I>Modern Building Services </I>

21 October, 2008

Modern Building Services now has its own group on the professional networking site Linkedin..

NG Bailey wins M&E contract for Scottish office park

21 October, 2008

NG Bailey has won a £13 million contract to fit out 10 new office buildings on the largest speculatively office park in the UK. Work has started on the 70 200 m2 Maxim Office Park development for TAL CPT, which is next to the Eurocentral Business Park in North Lanarkshire.

HVCA president welcomes select-committee report

21 October, 2008

HVCA president Gareth Vaughan has responded enthusiastically to a new report on the construction industry by the House of Commons Business & Enterprise Select Committee, which picks up many of the concepts and solutions that the specialist engineering sector has been promoting for more than a decade.

Sunderland riverfront site earmarked for mixed-use development

21 October, 2008

Arrow Commercial has appointed the northern office of Faber Maunsell to provide design services for this £10 million development in Sunderland. Subject to planning consent, Arrow will create a river-front mixed-used development to be known as The Edge at Scotia Quays on the River Wear.

Inviron school contract includes ground-source heat pumps

21 October, 2008

Inviron is working on a contract to install the complete M&E services for South Bank Sixth Form College in Litherland, Merseyside. The project includes 60 boreholes, each 100 m deep, to serve ground-source heat pumps to heat and cool the building.

Little Britain regatta is plain sailing for MITIE team

21 October, 2008

Little Britain regatta is plain sailing for MITIE team

Airedale updates its product CD

20 October, 2008

Airedale has released a new CD ROM of its product portfolio. Improved design and functionality of the new CDR V5 make it even simpler to quickly access Airedale product information.

Part L and EPBD compliance

20 October, 2008

CIBSE has added a number of new titles to its selection of publications that aid compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations and Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.

Sill publishes inspirational new lighting catalogue

20 October, 2008

Sill Lighting’s all-new 370-page colour catalogue is an essential reference for any lighting specifier.

Water-management solutions

20 October, 2008

Marshall-Tufflex has published a 72-page catalogue ‘Universal rainwater and drainage systems’ It illustrates the company’s entire range of complementary water-management systems, from roof-top guttering to soil and waste and underground solutions. Most are produced in high-impact, fully certified, PVC-u — making them suitable for most applications.

BRE’s new ‘Green guide’ goes on line

20 October, 2008

BRE’s ‘Green guide’ is now available on line to give designers and specifiers guidance on how to make the best environmental choices when selecting construction materials and components.

Legrand develops new UK web site

20 October, 2008

Legrand, which specialises in products and systems for electrical installations and information networks, has launched a new UK web site. It provides visitors with the opportunity to do everything from browsing its revamped online catalogue through to booking CPD training courses — and even win prizes.

Bathroom pods

20 October, 2008

Bathroom-pod specialist Baudet UK has developed a new web site to provide a concise source of information for specifiers, contractors and facilities managers.

Polypipe invests in new tooling for its Domus ventilation products

20 October, 2008

Polypipe Ventilation has invested in new tooling for its Domus range of products for ducting systems for light-commercial and domestic ventilation projects. The investment has already improved product quality and the company’s ability to react to changing and more demanding needs of the market.

Government approves CHP station fuelled by waste

20 October, 2008

The Government has approve a new power station in Cheshire fuelled by waste. The proposed plant could take waste from Manchester, Halton, Cheshire and Warrington that would otherwise go to landfill.

2008 October