2020 January

Agnieszka Bachleda-Baca considers how IoT can support sustainable building management.

In previous articles, the CSA has discussed commissioning in some depth, covering aspects such as what commissioning is, why it is carried out, when is it done and who does it.

A radical strategy for decarbonising heat in the residential market could also bear fruit in commercial buildings, according to Liam Elmore.

How one hotel upgraded its heating to meet consistently high demand while reducing its energy use.

Offsite fabricated heating techniques offer numerous benefits that can help resolve common refurbishment challenges, says Paul Arnold.

LG Electronics has launched a 4,5 and 6 HP refrigerant-fuelled variable refrigerant (VRF) solution. The Multi VS is aimed at residential buildings that have small balconies with limited installation areas. It is also suitable for small- and medium-sized commercial properties such as shops and offices. 

George Adams says we need collaboration to achieve the net zero emissions target – and that our industry needs to lead the way in making big changes.

The Grundfos Product Centre (GPC) is an online search and sizing tool that will help specifiers and installers choose the right pump to meet their needs, regardless of the project type, whether it’s a new or a replacement project. The GPC is also a great place to find out more information about pumps already installed for background information.  

Rinnai’s range of ErP A-rated continuous flow gas-fired hot water heaters now includes models specifically aimed and designed for the UK domestic market. The units guarantee high efficiencies and low running costs combined with consistent water temperatures seven days a week.   

SAV and Insite Energy have joined forces to launch Kurve, the market’s first digital smart metering app for heat networks.

At the BESA National Conference in November 2019, the building services sector was reminded what a crucial role it plays in delivering healthy environments.

Controls and automation specialist, Carlo Gavazzi has launched a long-range wireless solution for energy monitoring.  The UWP-A and UWP-M reduces installation costs and avoids expensive cablings for energy efficiency monitoring projects and provides a solution for applications where a traditional cabled network is unsuitable.

Swegon has launched the product selection program AHU Design. This web-based selection tool makes it easy for engineers to design and configure air handling units and carry out advanced energy calculations using built-in modelling to ensure that the solution is the right one for the lifetime of the building.

Spirotech’s HVAC system training courses have received approval from the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers. The courses focus on water conditioning and system protection and have proved popular with engineers. 

Contractors and installers are now able to access the B Press range from Conex Banninger from the Screwfix website and, from January 2020, more than 650 branches. This is in addition to other selected merchant partners.

Building services provider JS Wright has enhanced its ability to offer quick resolutions to pump-related issues through a new agreement with leading manufacturer Grundfos Pumps and distributor GM Treble.

Over 2,000 installers have signed up for training on Toshiba’s online training portal since its launch last year. The programme is available 24/7 and enables subscribers to learn at their own pace to master the fundamentals of air conditioning installation and qualify for Toshiba’s seven year warranty.

Air movement specialist Gilberts has extended its range of acoustic fixed and screening louvres to enable architects to balance a building’s aural and visual impact. 

The Conservative Party won the December 12th 2019 General Election with 364 seats in the House of Commons, and Boris Johnson remains UK Prime Minister. The result gave the Conservatives a comfortable majority in Parliament and the power to continue the process of taking the UK out of the European Union.

Following the launch of its report Industrial Strategy for decarbonising oil heated homes, OFTEC has criticised the government and industry focus on shifting oil-heated homes towards heat pumps.

Baroness Brown, deputy chair of the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) has warned that action needs to be taken towards reaching net zero and that there are “significant risks” if the UK fails to act.

Lord Rupert Redesdale, chief executive of the Energy Managers Association, warned of an “environmental catastrophe” at the 2019 EMEX event.

The SEC Group is driving a campaign to introduce new legislation on late payments. The Group has said that it will contact all political parties on 13th December to seek support for a change in the law.

A new report by the Heat Pump Association has identified an undeveloped installer base and consumer acceptability as the main problems for heat pumps going forward.

The ECA has announced that nominations for the 2020 ECA awards are now open. The awards aim to recognise top performing businesses and individuals across the electrotechnical and engineering industry.

CIBSE has announced the winners of the Society of Digital Engineering Awards 2019 with BuroHappold Engineering winning three out of eight categories and the best of the Best award.

The Commissioning Specialists Association (CSA) has gained sponsorship from two of the largest organisations in commissioning for its Conference in March.

The latest sector-wide Building Engineering Business Survey shows that sector growth remained steady in the third quarter of 2019.

Speaking to MBStv at November’s BESA Conference head of REFCOM Graeme Fox warned that training and competence are crucial factors in the successful move away from domestic fossil-fuel heating systems.

Small business owners and their employees are facing reduced or late salary payments because of late payment practises from buyers, according to a survey from the ECA and BESA.

With internal flexibility now a core demand of so many new building projects, the design and delivery of the new Riverside Studios in London has successfully managed to combine a range of entertainment options into a new exciting space. This new build project, on the banks of the River Thames, has been carefully designed to offer a free-flowing area that can be transformed to meet any demands for theatre, studio, cinema, music, dance, comedy, art, comedy, art, events or hospitality needs.

The UK’s Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) has refurbished a series of heating systems at its Harwell Campus in Didcot using Remeha high-efficiency condensing boilers.

SES Engineering Services has been appointed to deliver mechanical, electrical and plumbing services on Phase One of Milburngate, the prestigious mixed-use regeneration scheme on site in Durham city centre. This is a multi-million-pound contract win for its North East office working with main contractor, Tolent.

Vital Energi are continuing their relationship with Berkeley Homes after being awarded the £7m mechanical and infrastructure package for the next phase of the scheme.

Architect Jake Edgley used two Titon HRV10 Q Plus units with Trimbox NO2 filters on his own self-build home. And he has since gone on to recommend them to his clients.

Steve Bratt, CEO of the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) shares his thoughts on a recent CBI event and the messages for businesses in our sector.