2019 April

A major project to upgrade and replace air conditioning at communications specialist Multitone

In the third in a series of articles by the Commissioning Specialists Association, we continue to highlight some of the misconceptions about the role of commissioning, by asking four quite simple questions; what, why, when and who. Here we expand on the all-important ‘when’?

Steve Martin, director of technical for the ECA considers if fundamental reform is finally on the way in the post-Grenfell construction sector and explains government plans for change.

With a 51% increase in the Climate Change Levy occurring on 1st April, Sebastian Gray explains one method to calculate your CCL tax liability accurately.

2019 is set to be a busy year in terms of policy changes and building services. Hywel Davies, Technical Director of CIBSE, outlines some of the legislation changes to look out for in 2019.

Angela Reid outlines the numerous labelling schemes available for buildings, and notes the importance of understanding what each offers owners and managers.

Is reluctance to move away from traditional materials still holding us back when it comes to drainage pipes and fittings? 

Stephen Booth explains how a variable speed cold water booster could be a better option for promoting a greener future.

Graham Temple explains why modular chillers are proving popular for clients looking for a flexible and efficient approach to cooling.

More than being the answer in an emergency, boiler hire has other advantages. Russ Baker discusses how customer considerations are changing.

Chris Caton explains how environmental and financial demands are driving the market for modular boilers, particularly in buildings where demand varies widely every day.

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.

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.

With a growing trend towards off-site construction, Andrew Miele looks at the benefits and considerations of prefabricated modular solutions for the UK’s buildings.

UK consumers embrace smart home technology, driving demand for digital heating controls

Building services component distributor Brymec has supplied a range of air conditioning and plumbing components on a next-day delivery basis for HVAC contractor Principal Cooling while it works on the London Luton Airport project.

WES Hotspot fire detection and prevention devices from Ramtech Electronics have been installed across a £100 million development by David Wilson Homes at Newbury racecourse.

Stokvis Energy systems has provided a modular boiler system within the construction of a music and performing arts centre at Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools in Wales. The modular boiler system is intended to meet all of the building’s heating requirements.

Certsure, ECA and Electrical Safety First (ESF) join forces to drive measurement and recognitition

Nick Mellor explores the regulations around lifts and elevators, including standards for new and existing equipment.

Wilo has provided a solution to a major problem for a London-based social housing provider, that was experiencing issues because of poor heating system circulating water quality.

Rochfort Manor a highly-desirable residential development on the outskirts of Carlow town in Ireland. With demanding flows and fibrous content, the pumps installed at Rochfort Manor Pumping Station had been frequently plagued by blockages and breakdowns.

CIBSE's Technical Symposium speakers will address the issue of air quality at the event at the end of April

Tridonic LEDs have been selected for use in London’s Crossrail project. Lighting specialist Future Designs is working with Tridonic to create a suitable bespoke lighting solution for this major infrastructure project.

REL Building Services wins contract of the new BREEAM Excellent Richmond upon Thames college.

SES Engineering Services will be working on the new office scheme M7 in Stratford London

FETA offers guidance on risk assessments for flammable refrigerants

Although ‘press-fit’ technology has been a major trend in continental Europe for 30 years or more, it is only relatively recently that the UK has fully embraced this form of fixing. However, features such as enhanced joint performance, time-efficient, clean installation and improved finish are all benefits that have contributed to the growth in popularity of press fittings across the commercial plumbing and heating markets in recent years.

With the growth of increasingly complex projects, offsite build is providing a vital solution that is helping to overcome some of the challenges. These pre-engineered solutions tick all the boxes in terms of the coordination of a range of elements from planning and design, through to fabrication, the actual assembly of components, plus all required testing.

While offsite construction is not a new concept, it has recently seen a resurgence within the UK construction market – and one that is expected to continue. In line with this, REHAU has produced a new dedicated guide on the subject aimed at M&E contractors and building services engineers to help them negotiate offsite construction and get the best out of this way of working.

The industry offers a mixed response to the CCC's proposal that the UK moves away from gas-fired domestic heating. And points out that more must be done to make the UK's housing stock sustainable.

Artic Building Services is building on the success of its training and apprenticeship programme, which was established ten years ago. The company see this as a way to ensure its own engineering base and also to benefit the wider industry at large in developing suitable candidates for long term careers in the core hard FM disciplines such as HVAC, electrical engineering and refrigeration.

Rinnai’s Infinity range of 11i,17i &17e ErP A-rated continuous flow gas fired water heaters are specifically designed for low NOx domestic/light commercial use and guarantee the highest efficiencies and lowest running costs at consistently accurate temperatures 24/7 compared with any other method of hot water delivery.

As part of its continuing commitment to supporting the heating industry, Spirotech has extended its popular training programme to include graduates. Among the latest to be given an insight into the benefits of deaeration and dirt separation were a group of post-graduates from Vital Energi.

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.

New guidelines on pressure relief valves and safety valves have been published by SAFed. Les Littlewood outlines the key points and the correct usage.

Condensate can be a real problem when it cannot be removed by a natural gravity fall. For example, due to the location, kitchen cupboard layout or doorway preventing straightforward access to a drain; a condensate pump, such as the Grundfos Conlift, provides an easy and convenient solution.

Pipework specialist Rehau will be exhibiting a range of its products at the Tall Buildings Conference taking place in London on 30th April 2019.

Viessmann has eliminated the need for a separate low loss header and connecting pipework for its Vitodens 200-W commercial wall boiler (49 to 150 kW) by incorporating the header in a new pump connection set. This patented new solution for larger single boiler installations is more compact than having a standalone header, more keenly priced, and quicker and easier to install.

The Wilo-Stratos Maxo launches in the UK from April and offers a number of innovations that offer greater efficiency and connectivity for installers and end-users.

The confusion caused by the ongoing Brexit saga has done considerable damage to key government strategies. However, BESA President Tim Hopkinson* believes there will be much for the building services sector to aim for once politicians get their eyes back on the ball.

Reznor, part of Nortek Global HVAC (UK) offers the AB range of industrial air curtains. It is ideal for exceptionally high doors. AB Industrial air curtains provide a barrier of high velocity air that block incoming winds and stop warm air escaping by delivering a barrier of heated air across the width of the doorway. Units can be fitted within existing or new buildings and are ideal for doorways creating a more cost efficient and comfortable indoor environment. Models are available, for door widths from 2m to 6m and up to 6m high.

Siemens Building Technologies offers a selection of internally and externally threaded ball valves from 15mm to 50mm. Siemens offers a complete range of ball valves, suitable for applications in cold- and hot-water systems. As with the rest of the Acvatix range, the products have been designed for robust performance and easy installation. The variety of ball valves available in this range makes for easy selection and application. The valves can be combined with the range of Siemens OpenAir damper actuators using mounting kits

The Grundfos Conlift range helps to remove condensate when it cannot be removed by a natural gravity fall. Providing an easy and convenient solution, Conlift has two models which operate automatically when condensate enters the collection tank from an appliance. Both models can be upgraded with either an alarm PCB and/or neutralisation unit which can also be retrofitted as needs change. They also require minimal maintenance, making lifetime costs efficient.

BSRIA has produced another publication in its series which looks at megatrends affecting the global economy, and a particular view on what they mean for buildings. In its latest report, Megatrends: Demographics, author Henry Lawson looks at the growth and movement of the Earth’s population. Trends considered include numbers of people living alone; urbanisation; the impact of an ageing workforce and the growing number of women entering the workforce around the world. It is a fascinating look at an important topic which is already having an impact on how buildings are designed, built and used.