The government could tighten up the rules that restrict the use of global warming refrigerant gases including speeding up phase-out programmes and introducing new bans, according to a spokesman from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

A survey conducted by Baxi of 200 state school estates managers, consultant engineers and M&E contractors has found that while enthusiasm for Net Zero and support for low carbon heating systems in schools is thriving, persistent barriers remain.

The latest State of Trade report from the Plumbing and Heating Federation (SNIPEF) has revealed a critical shortage of skilled workers, amid chronic funding stagnation, that threatens the nation’s economic resilience.

As the Association of Electrical and Mechanical Trades (AEMT) celebrates its 80th anniversary, it has announced a fresh new approach to its annual conference, which takes place at the British Motor Museum on 18th September this year.

The Engineering and Building Services Skills Authority (EBSSA) has welcomed the recent announcements by
the government and the Chancellor, which aim to ensure that the construction sector has a skilled, competent workforce to deliver on vital infrastructure and housing goals, while also supporting the creation of a sustainable built environment.

CIBSE and the International Code Council (ICC) have signed a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU), marking a significant step towards enhanced international collaboration in the development, promotion and application of best practices across the built environment.

Highlighting a determination from building owners to reduce energy consumption through technology, the building energy management systems (BEMS) market saw a 1.4% quarter-on- quarter increase in Q4 2024 – according to the Building Controls Industry Association’s (BCIA) latest market report.

Construction Carbon, in collaboration with CIBSE, has announced the development of the Lifecycle Carbon Assessor Practitioner Training programme. 

Kensa has completed a month-long charity challenge in support of National Energy Action, smashing its target and raising thousands to help households struggling with fuel poverty.

Carrier Solutions UK has officially opened its state-of-the-art training academy in Stockport, where it will offer education and support for HVAC engineers across the UK. The flagship facility represents a significant investment in professional development, providing a dedicated centre of excellence for engineers to train on the latest heating and cooling technologies. Carrier Solutions UK (formerly Toshiba Carrier UK) is a part of Carrier Global Corporation.

BEAMA and The Lighting Industry Association (LIA) are set to present the 2050 Connected Conference, a two-day event designed to drive action on Net Zero, circularity and transformation in the built environment and energy supply chains.

Maintenance costs, as measured by the BCIS All-in Maintenance Cost Indices, are set to rise 17% by Q4 2029, according to the latest forecast data from the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS).

On 13th March the British Pump Manufacturers Association (BPMA) was delighted to return to St George’s Park in Staffordshire for the staging of its 2025 Pump Industry Awards presentation evening.

Two-thirds of UK commercial real estate (CRE) owners admit they are “not fully compliant” with energy efficiency regulations, according to new research from smart buildings specialist LMG. 

The Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in London came alive on 27th February 2025 for the prestigious CIBSE Building Performance Awards. 

The Plumbing and Heating Federation has criticised the Climate Change Committee’s (CCC) latest 2040 heat pump targets as “completely detached from reality,” warning that without a trained workforce to install them, these targets amount to little more than empty ambitions.

The Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) is urging public authorities to place apprenticeships at the centre of new public procurement regulations - ensuring that major construction projects drive long-term skills development rather than prioritising cost-cutting measures.

NG Bailey has opened applications to its nationwide apprenticeship programme across its Engineering and Services divisions.

A recent survey by global climate tech firm IES has revealed that nearly three-quarters of UK built environment professionals believe achieving a Net Zero built environment by 2050 is within reach.

Construction clients are failing to engage with the new building safety regime, according to research carried out by the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA).

Carrier invited members of the trade press from across Europe to its Montluel Centre of Excellence in January.

New data from the Heat Pump Association (HPA) reveals that 2024 saw a significant 63% increase in hydronic heat pump sales, and a 15% increase in individuals completing a recognised heat pump training qualification.

Group Horizon is now offering places on its Data Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship – an ideal starting point for those interested in a fulfilling career in data management and analysis.

The Pump Industry Awards has revealed its highly anticipated finalists for 2025, showcasing the very best in innovation, performance and contribution across the pump sector. The winners will be celebrated at the prestigious gala dinner on Thursday 13th March at the Hilton Hotel, St. Georges Park in Burton on Trent.

The latest quarterly Building Engineering Business Survey (BEBS) has revealed that close to two thirds (63%) of electrotechnical and engineering services businesses are worried about delays to projects and the impact this can have on cashflow.

NIBE has announced former Arsenal and Swedish international football star Freddie Ljungberg
as its new UK brand ambassador. 

The success of the UK’s energy transition will rely on collaboration between businesses to maintain a robust supply chain, a global energy specialist has warned following the launch of its latest research.

Cistermiser has welcomed the ambitious water saving targets for commercial buildings recently set by DEFRA. These include a national goal to reduce water leakage by 37% by 2038 and 50% by 2050, along with specific targets for commercial buildings to achieve a 9% reduction in leakage by 2038 and 15% by 2050.

New research of more than 2,000 UK consumers has revealed that over half (56%) believe that businesses need to step up their sustainability efforts to help achieve the country’s Net Zero targets.

ABB’s Smart Buildings Division has announced a new collaboration with the World Green Building Council’s (WorldGBC) European Regional Network (ERN), aimed at advancing sustainable, energy efficient building practices across Europe. ABB has joined WorldGBC’s European Regional Network as a Regional Knowledge Partner to drive progress in low carbon, energy efficient buildings that align with Europe’s sustainability goals.

Which? is calling on the government to provide more support for greener home heating and cars, as new research shows cost and other barriers are putting people off making the switch.

A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers from the University of Cambridge has revealed that at least 70% of people in the construction industry report feeling stressed at work, and this not only has a negative impact on job performance but also personal life. The findings highlight the urgent need for effective strategies to combat workplace stress.

A new survey of heat pump installers has identified the main pain points surrounding the industry, focusing on customer misconceptions and issues with system design and specification. 

Construction has been named the second most dangerous occupation globally, following the publication of the latest Lloyd’s Register Foundation World Risk Poll report.

The Association of Electrical and Mechanical Trades (AEMT) returned to Coventry on Thursday 21st November for its 7th Annual Awards Ceremony. This year’s event saw a record number of entries across eight categories, showcasing outstanding contributions from the electro-mechanical industry.

The ninth annual Build2Perform Live, hosted by CIBSE on 13th-14th November 2024 at ExCel London, attracted an impressive turnout, solidifying its status as the go-to gathering for professionals, thought leaders and innovators in the sector.

With 2025 approaching and just a quarter-century remaining for the UK to achieve its Net Zero goals, Carrier HVAC Service is urging building owners and operators to consider the significant environmental and financial benefits of upgrading, modernising, and retrofitting their HVAC systems.

For the fourth year running, Baxi is partnering with Primary Engineer to bring STEM into classrooms in the Preston area and inspire a new generation of engineers.

THE Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) has appointed a new Vice-President and three new additions to its Management Committee.

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. 

NG Bailey has become one of the first construction and engineering companies in the UK to have its long-term target to achieve Net Zero emissions
by 2045 approved by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTI).

Students, teachers and careers advisers from local schools and colleges visited Armstrong Fluid Technology on 26th September as part of National Manufacturing Day 2024.

Baxi has published its 2024 Installer Skills Survey, revealing that attitudes of heating engineers towards low carbon heating are hard to shift, contributing to the slow growth in UK heat pump adoption.

ISG’s recent collapse has sent shockwaves through the UK construction sector, placing many projects in peril and putting a number of subcontractors in a precarious position.

The Commissioning Specialists Association (CSA) returned to London on the evening of Thursday 10th October for the staging of its 9th Annual Awards Ceremony. With nine awards categories in this year’s programme, the entry process again produced some exceptional entries from right across the commissioning arena.

Maintenance costs are set to rise 16% by 2Q 2029, according to the latest forecast data from the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS) All-in Maintenance Cost Indices.

Johnson Controls has announced the expansion of production capacity at its plant in Izmir, Turkey. 

Continuing its expansion and growth strategy, Elta has invested in two new machines to streamline and improve its manufacturing capabilities. This comes on the back of the air movement specialist’s 50th anniversary.

Green Point UK, BITZER UK’s compressor remanufacturing and services arm, has introduced a specialist support service for refrigeration contractors responsible for maintaining cooling systems based on screw compressors.

The NIBE Akademi in Chesterfield, the heat pump manufacturer’s dedicated UK training facility, recently received a visit from the Department of Energy Security & Net Zero and Midlands Net Zero.