2020 March

The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) is hosting daily FREE webinars on Coronvirus to help their members and the wider industry deal with issues arising for businesses all over the UK. 

The team here at MBS hopes that you are well and finding a way to continue your work in these challenging times.

Karen Fletcher on some of the main themes in the March 2020 issue of MBS magazine.

Built into the mountains of Stavanger, Norway, in what was formerly a NATO ammunition storage facility, is now one of the world’s most secure and energy efficient data centres.

When refurbishing a fully functional building you are guaranteed a host of unexpected challenges. Steve McGregor advises that the key is in the planning – and application of technology.

While pollution levels in our air are a major cause for concern, Mitsubishi Electric Product Manager Hern Yau explains why we need to be cautious about assuming indoor air is always better.

The next phase of a new pre-qualification (PQ) system designed to reduce inefficiencies in the construction industry will be implemented shortly. CHAS, which certifies companies against the new standard, explains what this means for the construction sector.

Both landlords and policy makers are having to respond to a growing public consciousness of the property sector’s environmental impact, resulting in a slew of regulation.

Dunham-Bush has supplied its Hydrocourse trench heating to the Devonshire Quarter for the £54 million transformation of the old Devonshire Park into a cultural, conferencing and sporting facility.

Scarborough-based H Pickup Mechanical & Electrical Services has applied a Rinnai continuous flow hot water solution at a large-scale seafood processing plant in the North East of England.

The recently opened Crow Wood Hotel & Spa near Burnley is a luxury venue with 76 bedrooms and suites, set within 40 acres of secluded countryside offering wedding, spa and conference facilities.

Controls and automation specialist, Carlo Gavazzi has extended its product offering with the WM15, a 96x96 panel mount power analyser for three phase systems (MID versions available) which can be installed into any switchboard to manage and control energy consumption, main electrical variables and harmonic distortion.

Albion Valves says that it is ready to deliver products to its customers whatever problems might be caused by Brexit.

Titan Products has announced the launch of what it says is the world’s first Zigbee 3.0 CO2 sensor.

Continuing on from the launch of its successful bespoke valve configuration service, Pegler , has launched a mini modular valve solution to support contractor efficiencies within fan coil units.

Water heater manufacturer Lochinvar has launched a range of high performance electric floor standing storage water heaters for commercial and large residential applications.

Swegon’s new range of Parasol Zenith comfort modules offer a highly flexible option for a wide range of indoor climate projects.

Zehnder Group UK, is re-launching the Greenwood Vireo MVHR unit as the Zehnder ComfoAir, in a move to bring all MVHR products under the Zehnder brand. The newly launched ComfoAir features a number of improvements and upgrades, such as quieter running levels, optional third speed and spare parts available on request.

Recent reports of energy waste in UK commercial properties highlight that more can be done to improve the efficiency of our existing buildings. Where heating is concerned, says Tom Murray, we must continue to tackle the low hanging fruit

Rinnai is offering free audits for all hospitals and medical centres in order to maximise energy and financial efficiency in the delivery of hot water at the point of use.

Ideal Commercial has enhanced its range of cascade accessories with the introduction of Magnetic Low Loss Header and Cascade Insulation kits.

Samsung has launched its new wall-mounted air conditioner platform for 2020. The new range is available in five different executions of which three versions feature Samsung’s unique Wind-Free Cooling technology, complemented by new intelligent technologies for enhanced indoor comfort and improved energy efficiency.

Proposed changes to building regulations will make buildings less energy efficient, according to groups of engineers and architects.

An urgent review of building ventilation strategies should be carried out to help tackle the spread of the coronavirus.

An agreement between the EU and the UK to continue the mutual recognition of professional certification should put minds at ease throughout the refrigeration and air conditioning industry, according to the UK’s primary F Gas register REFCOM.

The author of the post-Grenfell review of building safety believes the industry lacks the necessary “leadership and drive to bring about change”.

Housing Minister Robert Jenrick is considering creating a fast-track planning process for “beautiful buildings and spaces”. He said well-designed, high quality homes and tree-lined streets should be the “norm not the exception” following the publication of the final report from The Building Better, Building Beautiful Commission.

Greater electrification of building services will be central to global decarbonisation efforts.

This month, MBS has been talking to the industry about meeting the challenge to lower carbon emissions from the built environment.

This month’s round table discussion, sponsored by Trend Control Systems, examines the net zero carbon challenge. Karen Fletcher reports

The first CSA conference takes place on 31st March at The Crystal in London.

Health experts call for LAs to gain more powers and funding to address poor indoor air quality.

The ECA says that an end to easy employment of foreign workers is an opportunity to train a UK workforce.

The lower GWP refrigerant R32 will command 80% of the total splits market

Daikin Applied has launched an air to water heat pump range that uses R-32 refrigerant.

As mixed use, high-rise developments spring up across our cities, Kevin Potter considers the challenges and options for designing hot water systems in buildings that include homes, offices, gyms and restaurants.

Charlie Mowbray looks at examples of commercial boiler installations where high demand is at the forefront.