2026 October

Rinnai Director Chris Goggin evaluates the new potential path of UK emissions reductions under Prime Minister Andy Burnham. As NetZero has become increasingly polarising both domestically and internationally by some mainstream media outlets, the UK’s pursuit of carbon neutrality must be adapted to match both public demand and market forces. Continue reading to see the how and why of NetZero being altered to combat diminishing political and public support fuelled by global economics and media misinformation.

Rinnai Director Chris Goggin confronts the question surrounding heat pump installations: how does the idea of heat pumps being classified as the primary solution towards domestic and commercial decarbonisation compare to the direction of the UK low carbon heating and hot water technology market?

For mechanical engineers faced with tighter project timelines, complex building systems and a constant squeeze on profit margins, working smarter is essential – with automation being a key part of this. Here, Brad Freeman, MEP Solutions Specialist at Trimble explores how digital tools can automate repetitive mechanical design tasks, improving productivity and eliminating errors. 

Battery storage is now a capital decision for many UK businesses, weighed against plant upgrades and new sites rather than treated as an energy side project. Last year, global operational battery storage capacity passed 250 GW and overtook pumped hydro for the first time. The UK is one of the markets leading that growth.

Matt Maleki, Business Development Manager and IAQ Specialist at Carrier, explains how urgent NHS ventilation upgrades also present an opportunity for long-term air quality improvement.

Dave Hudson, Managing Director of GTEC Training, explains why heat pump efficiency starts on the drawing board.

Chris Caton, Product Director – Commercial at Ideal Commercial Heating, discusses some considerations to take into account when choosing a low carbon hybrid heating system.

Experts from Citizens Advice, Heat Trust and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) joined discussions with decision-makers from housing providers, local authorities and property management organisations at the first ever Insite Partners Summit.

Schools across the UK are facing growing pressure to decarbonise heating systems as policy expectations evolve, funding routes shift and ageing estates continue to compete for limited investment.

Tender prices increased by an estimated 0.7% between 2Q 2026 and 3Q 2026, according to the latest data from the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS).

According to the Q2 Barclays Business Prosperity Index, six in 10 businesses surveyed (60%) have either increased investment to adapt to extreme heat (37%) or are considering doing so (23%).

Leaders from across Yorkshire and the Humber came together on Friday 11th September to launch ambitious plans aimed at tackling the region’s growing construction skills shortages.

Panasonic Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP) have been installed as part of the redevelopment of Goodmayes Hospital in the London Borough of Redbridge.

Passivent has supported the redevelopment of Bishop Auckland’s bus station with a natural ventilation package designed to help deliver a comfortable concourse environment for passengers using the town’s new transport hub. 

TRILUX has delivered a lighting solution for the refurbishment of Stellantis &You Preston, supporting the dealership’s transformation into a modern multi-brand retail environment.

The Q-ton CO2 heat pump from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has been selected to provide the domestic hot water solution for a new-build hotel development at Adagio Hotel in London.

NG Bailey has been appointed by The Very Group, one of the UK’s leading digital retailers. 

The topic of Net Zero has continued to hit the headlines and parliamentary floor, but how does it affect those actually trying to achieve it? Dan Raywood was in Manchester at MBS’s first in-person event to learn more.

Graham Barker, Sales and Service Director at Riello Burners in the UK, Carrier RLC EMEA, explains how using original parts in repairs can not only extend the life of burners but also ensure they operate safely and efficiently.

The rapid growth of artificial intelligence is driving a surge in data centre energy demand, pushing grid capacity and traditional electrical infrastructure to their limits. Here, Meir Adest, Co-Founder and VP Core Technologies at SolarEdge, explains why a shift from AC infrastructure to DC-native energy architecture is now critical for meeting rising compute demands and improving overall data centre efficiency and profitability.

Energy Donkey is a new platform designed to make heat pumps easier to understand, manage and support.

Condair is launching the Condair Vita, its next-generation direct-room spray humidifier.

Hamworthy Heating has launched its new Modumax mk4 floor standing boiler. Building on the success of its bestselling range, the latest generation features a modern, intuitive design with flexible connections and pipework kits.

Hotels, leisure operators and other commercial buildings with high levels of shower use can reduce energy costs and carbon emissions with Showersave’s Waste Water Heat Recovery (WWHR) technology.

The UK data centre market is forecast to reach £32 billion by 2030, opening new opportunities across the M&E supply chain. Richard Williams, Head of Strategic Projects at Whitecroft Lighting, explains why lighting these vast, highly secure and operationally critical sites calls for specialist knowledge, proven solutions and the capacity to deliver at scale.

Carrier has successfully delivered a high efficiency chiller upgrade at the Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane, overcoming major access constraints and maintaining continuous cooling throughout the project. 

Sean Hunter, Head of Marketing at BSRIA, explains how the organisation is connecting building services professionals directly with its testing, instrumentation and applied engineering capability, in formats that reflect how the industry actually works today.

Smart lighting is revolutionising the built environment, helping to reduce energy consumption whilst making lighting more flexible, creative and responsive. Yet despite becoming increasingly commonplace, misconceptions remain about its cost, complexity and suitability for different applications. Lighting Designer Nick Gwilliam from Ansell Lighting explores its many benefits and dispels some of the most common myths surrounding its use and installation.

As NHS Trusts work to decarbonise ageing estates while maintaining critical services, modular off-site fabricated plant rooms are becoming an increasingly valuable option. Tony Falconar, National Sales Manager at Baxi Packaged Solutions, explains how packaged energy solutions can help building services teams reduce disruption, improve quality and plan for future low carbon heat.

How early technical collaboration with Axair Fans shaped the fume extraction strategy for one of the UK's most significant laboratory redevelopments.

MBS Features Editor Russell Drury joined a group of European journalists invited to the Brackley headquarters of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team. During the visit, Signify explained how its partnership with the team is built on a shared commitment to innovation and sustainability.