2019 December

Stephen Preece on why the next iteration of MEES needs to set higher targets to encourage greater action.

Graeme Fox of REFCOM explains why, as heating and cooling converge, higher standards of competence and accreditation are vital.

Jeff Kerridge explains the importance of early engagement with a manufacturer, when specifying cable management systems for offices - and what key factors should be included within the specification process.

Karen Fletcher explores the growing number of high-rise buildings in London and considers the importance of HVAC in delivering space that attracts the all-important paying occupants.

The importance of supplying ‘fit-for-purpose’ products for building services applications and especially for hot and cold water systems that can affect public health has never been greater. By David Keys.

With 67 elegant rooms and suites as well as a spa and gym, the luxury 5-star Italian Baglioni Hotel is a welcome retreat in Kensington.

In buildings with high, constant demand for heat, combined heat and power is proving an economic tool to long-term savings. Mark Gibbons looks into the technology.

Matt Brooks looks back on the key events of 2019 which have featured in MBS and some of the main stories that made the headlines this year.

Brexit might have been dominating the news in recent months, but there was no shortage of other talking points at the annual BESA National Conference 2019 which took place in London on 21st November. Matt Brooks reports.

As MBS goes to press with the December issue, the country is facing a general election. Here MBS highlights some of the parties’ policies and takes a look at what the industry would like to see in 2020. Report by Matt Brooks and Karen Fletcher*

The 2019 BESA National Conference called on the building services sector to make changes in its practices before they are imposed by government.

Rudi Klein, chief executive of the Specialist Engineering Contractors’ Group highlighted the potential benefits of a regulatory body for the construction sector.

The ECA has warned that the risk of major fire remains despite the publication of the Hackitt Report and Raising the Bar publication.

Experts in the heating and cooling sectors have predicted a convergence of heating and cooling technologies with the drive to greater use of clean electricity.

The 2019 BRSIA Briefing focused on climate change as speakers warned of the dangers rising global temperatures pose. BSRIA CEO, Julia Evans OBE, summarised the challenges that lie ahead: “We don’t know everything, but we know that we’re in trouble.”

Television architect and presenter George Clarke called for state intervention to solve “the biggest housing crisis the country has ever seen,” as he was made a visiting professor at Birmingham City University.

The Specialist Engineering Contractors’ (SEC) Group has launched a campaign to obtain a commitment from all parliamentary candidates in the general election on some of the industry’s most pressing issues.

A survey from commercial property services firm Cushman & Wakefield shows that the popularity of co-working office space continues to grow, with greater use predicted over the next five years.

Building services J S Wright is to help start the residential phase of a £4 million regeneration scheme in Wimbledon.

CIBSE has announced its shortlist for the 2020 Building Performance Awards which aim to recognise and reward engineering excellence.

A survey has found that 90% of business owners across construction suffer mental health issues due to payment and other business pressures.

A new report showing the latest trends for HVAC has been published by Wakefield Research.

The latest updated and improved range of single and twin-headed Grundfos MAGNA1 circulator pump options have been specifically designed for circulating liquids in a wide range of light commercial and commercial applications.

Grundfos Pumps is well-known for its range of reliable circulators, but the manufacturer also offers a wide range of other pump products, including an extensive shower pump portfolio.

After the introduction of a range of premium panel vertical radiators last year, Myson has extended its vertical radiator offering even further with the introduction of their new Vertical panel radiator.

Rinnai is offering 11i continuous-flow gas fired water heaters. They offer high energy efficiencies and are A+ rated.

Heating and water heater specialist Rinnai has announced that it is targeting double growth in the next ten years.

The new High Flow Diffusers from Waterloo Air Products PLC have been created so that architects can incorporate a shadow gap feature and hide air terminal devices from view. This follows trends in architecture to create vents, grilles and diffusers that make it easier for architects to complement their designs.

Albion Valves has extended its range of hydronic balancing valves with the introduction of a fixed orifice double regulating valve (FODRV), the ART 255. The new valve provides an alternative to Albion’s existing ART 250 and ART 270 – which is their double regulating valve and orifice plate option.

Leading UK radiator manufacturer Stelrad Radiators has released its latest CPD entitled the ‘Evolution of the central heating radiator, with a focus on safety radiators’. The module is RIBA and CIBSE accredited and available online or can be delivered in-person on request.

High-performance Toshiba Smart Cassettes running on low Global Warming Potential (GWP) R-32 refrigerant are at the heart of a new air conditioning system at Bath and West Showground’s recently refurbished restaurant.

Viessmann boilers and a Viessmann CHP unit have been specified for 101 George Street in Croydon. The project is the tallest modular building in the world.

When the Norwich branch of the fresh handmade cosmetics retailer moved to a larger unit in order to meet rising customer demand, a new hot water cylinder was needed to supply enough water for product demonstrations and use in staff facilities throughout the day – no matter the time of year.

Dunham-Bush Panther fan coil units have been installed at the Glasgow Dental School. Fitted in the Restorative Clinic at level 6 of the building by contractors James Frew, these high specification units were selected for their quiet powerful operation, energy efficiency and easy access for on-going maintenance.

Coolair Equipment has won a contract worth over £300,000 to install an air conditioning system with heat recovery at the Gloucester Business Park at Brockworth. Gloucester Business Park was officially opened in September 2000 and is home to more than 70 companies including Direct Wines, Horizon Nuclear Power, Ageas and TBS Engineering.

Paul Wightman sets out how communication before commissioning can deliver more energy efficient tall buildings

Rudi Klein, chief executive of the SEC Group shares his vision of why we need an Office of Construction to help bring about much-needed change.

The BESA National Conference 2019 saw over 200 delegates gather to discuss the industry’s challenges and opportunities. MBStv was there to capture it all.

BESA’s president John Norfolk spoke to MBStv about issues impacting the industry, the challenges ahead and the opportunities for change.

Phil Ord of Mitsubishi Electric explains why we are seeing a convergence of cooling and heating technologies in an increasingly electric world.

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.

The office market is on the move. Moving from a conventional ‘one desk per employee’ approach to a more flexible model, occupiers have begun to view space differently, causing the market to rapidly evolve in the last five years. Chris Grazier explains