2020 April
CHP is solution to huge increases in Climate Change Levy
Energy bills for most organisations will rise following further big increases in Climate Change Levy (CCL) rates on natural gas, says Hugh Richmond, CEO of Edina.
Universities drive down carbon emissions
Kevin Pocock of Mitsubishi Electric discusses the drivers for universities to achieve zero carbon in their built environment – and the challenges.
Government delays introduction of new IR35 rules
On 17th March, chief Treasury secretary Steve Barclay announced that introduction of the proposed IR35 tax reforms would be delayed until 6th April 2021.
Swegon acquires Waterloo Air Products
Indoor environment specialist Swegon has acquired the well-known grilles and difussers manufacturer Waterloo Air Products.
Energy efficiency boost for London homes
The Mayor of London has launched a £3.6m programme to improve energy efficiency in social housing across the capital, including replacing heating systems.
CABE gains Engineering Council member status
The Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE) has received approval to become a licensed member of the Engineering Council. This paves the way for CABE members to be formally eligible for Chartered Engineering status.
New leader and new direction for BESA Training
The training arm of the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has appointed Helen Yeulet as its new director following the departure of Tony Howard.
New president for buildings controls association
The Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) has appointed Terry Sharp as its new president. He takes over from Jon Belfield who has held the role for the past two years.
First, I hope all our readers are well. And that your businesses are functioning as effectively as possible in these unprecedented times.
The Association of Tank and Cistern Manufacturers (ATCM) considers the use of combined cisterns and tanks for firefighting and domestic use.
Valves and actuators are largely unseen elements of a building services system, but as Neil Gibson explains, they can have a significant impact on system performance, occupant comfort and energy efficiency.
Expansion vessels are an essential element in any commercial heating system but ensuring you have the right one requires complicated calculations. Here, Rob Jacques discusses the complexities of this ‘simple’ technology and offers guidance on making the right choice.
Scott James discusses the key aspects that need to be considered when designing pipework for complex buildings and the benefits of using a press connection method.
The world’s most famous teenager is inspiring millions of young people to look for careers combating climate change. This is a great opportunity to promote building engineering to a newly motivated generation, says BESA President John Norfolk.
March 2020 Budget: Good in parts
Karen Fletcher looks at what was in the recent Budget and considers what it might mean for the building services sector.
NEW CHARTERED GROUND AND GLOBAL RECOGNITION
The issue of professional competency across the construction industry in the post-Grenfell era has never been more important than it is now.
Use of offsite fabricated heating solutions is on the up in residential developments with communal heat networks. But early engagement is key if the maximum benefits are to be reaped, says Ian Lock.
John Austin shares his experience of offsite methods and explains the benefits of packaged plant for building services design and installation.
Waterloo delivers ventilation remedy for hospital refurb
The £170 million redevelopment of Glan Clwyd Hospital in North Wales has seen Waterloo Air Products provide a wide range of air terminal devices which met the exacting hygiene standards of a healthcare facility whilst ensuring the wellbeing and optimum comfort of patients.
Sauter in Southbank project install and commission
Sauter Automation has completed the design, installation and commissioning of the controls package for the buildings known as One and Two Southbank Place in London. This is a mixed-use development with the signature Shell Centre Tower building at the heart of it. The project is a joint venture by developers Canary Wharf Group plc (CWG) and Qatari Diar, working together to revitalise the area with high quality architecture and much improved public spaces.
Following a £500,000.00 investment Four Pure Brewing opened a new taproom based in London which was set to ‘blow people away’. The new facility includes a bespoke horseshoe bar with 43 taps, a reception room, brewery shop, meetings areas and a live music area.
Grundfos scores at Murrayfield
In the heart of Edinburgh and with the biggest capacity in Scotland, the BT Murrayfield Stadium is not just home to Scottish rugby, but also regularly hosts an array of other musical and sporting events.
East London redevelopment uses Viega press fit
In partnership with M&E specialist Promech Services, Viega has supplied its Megapress press connection system for thick-walled steel tube to the redevelopment of the former Britannia Music offices in Ilford, East London.
Strand Palace upgrades with Mitsubishi Electric HVRF system
London’s Strand Palace Hotel has upgraded its cooling with an innovative hybrid VRF (HVRF) system from Mitsubishi Electric.
Cistermiser trains on IoT for remote monitoring
Intelligent washroom controls and water efficiency specialist Cistermiser has launched a new CPD learning module entitled: “Using the Internet of Things for Water Temperature Monitoring to Help Reduce Risk of Legionella”.
New software for RDM control system
Building control and monitoring specialist Resource Data Management (RDM), announced a major software launch for DMTouch, its control and monitoring system head-end.
Daikin Applied extends water-cooled chiller range
Daikin Applied UK (DAPUK) has unveiled a new generation of its water-cooled centrifugal compressor chiller range, which boasts improved energy efficiency thanks to the inclusion of a new type of refrigerant cooled inverter drive.
Advance Appliances looks to future with less gas
Geoff Egginton, director at Advance Appliances look to the possibilities of a hybrid system that can utilise more than one fuel input in helping reducing the UK’s reliance on gas.
Albion introduces BIM for building services range
Valve specialist Albion Valves (UKK, has introduced Building Information Modelling (BIM) components for its core product range.
High efficiency boilers in new Atag QR range
ATAG Commercial has launched a brand new range of boilers – the QR Series. Boasting a stainless steel heat exchanger, a new burner control unit with LCD display, built-in pump and an integrated zone management system for up to three central heating zones, the new boilers replace the existing Q Series range. Each boiler benefits from multiple cascade configurations, as well as numerous flue options suitable for a wide range of applications.
Certified Installer scheme from Conex Bänninger
Conex Bänninger has further increased its support for plumbing and heating installers by introducing a Certified Installer scheme.
Aermec and T Clarke offer remote testing by video link
AHU and chiller manufacturer Aermec UK is working with building services contractor T Clarke to offer witness testing by video link.
Rehau offers NEA smart controls for UFH projects
Rehau has developed the new NEA Smart 2.0 underfloor heating smart control for use in new or refurbishment projects.
ABB introduces new UPS solution for data centre market
ABB has launched MegaFlex, a compact uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system. It is targeting the IEC and UL market with power ranges of up to 1.5MW and 1.6MW respectively.
Aggreko commits to greener future
Temporary power, heating and cooling solutions provider Aggreko has been certified to the Carbon Trust Standard and achieved the ISO 50001:2018 international standard for energy management.
Tracking and prediction tool from Arbnco
Glasgow-based building energy performance company, Arbnco, has launched a new smart building tool that is able to benchmark, track and forecast energy consumption, providing a level of data analysis and building control previously unattainable for the UK commercial property market.
With over 300,000 existing heat network connections in the UK that still require a fit-for-purpose metering and billing system, and regulations due to be updated soon, now is a good time for building owners to assess their housing stock and source the best service provider to meet their needs.
Public sector jobs paid ‘alarmingly late’
The latest quarterly sector-wide Building Engineering Business Survey, sponsored by Scolmore, shows that payment conditions in the industry remain poor, with the majority of public sector work being paid for after more than 30 days
CSA Conference postponed until 15th September
After careful consideration, and in light of recent recommendations from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Public Heath England around the risks of Coronavirus, the Commissioning Management Association CSA) Management Committee has made the difficult decision to postpone the CSA’s 'Making Buildings Work' Conference, scheduled for March 31st at The Crystal, London.
Baxi Heating is calling on the Government to mandate hydrogen-ready boilers for all new gas boiler installations by 2025.
MPs and the Specialist Engineering Contractors Group (SEC Group) are trying to ensure that proposed changes to retentions legislation is not overlooked during a time of national crisis.
Budget 2020 gains mixed response from industry
The March 2020 Budget was delivered against the backdrop of the global outbreak of COVID-19. Its main thrust therefore was to support UK business through uncertainty and instability.
Four new appointments at BCIA
THE Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) has appointed a new Vice-President and three new additions to its Management Committee.
Engineering services alliance welcomes retentions reporting legislation
Engineering services alliance Actuate UK has warmly welcomed the new secondary legislation which will require reporting of cash retentions held by the large construction companies under the Reporting Regulations.