The real reason female engineers are still a rarity, a look at why engineering is not appealing in the UK

Eddy Warren of Supaflex Agencies stresses the importance of how to prevent sudden burst failures.

The issue of professional competency across the construction industry in the post-Grenfell era has never been more important than it is now.

Karen Fletcher looks at what was in the recent Budget and considers what it might mean for the building services 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.

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.

Matt Brooks reviews a new publication which offers good practice guidance on building controls from specification to implementation and updates.

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.

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.

As MBS goes to press with the December issue, the country is facing a general election. Here MBS highlights some of the parties’ policies and takes a look at what the industry would like to see in 2020. Report by Matt Brooks and Karen Fletcher*

Brexit might have been dominating the news in recent months, but there was no shortage of other talking points at the annual BESA National Conference 2019 which took place in London on 21st November. Matt Brooks reports.

Matt Brooks looks back on the key events of 2019 which have featured in MBS and some of the main stories that made the headlines this year.

In the face of growing concern about our environment, sustainable buildings expert Adam Selvey considers how we can find a balance between achieving zero carbon buildings and the wellbeing of humans who are in them. 

The future of smart buildings promises benefits for those who can tap into the new era of connected systems and the IoT. But Karen Fletcher warns that there is a lot of hard work required for those to want to step into this new world.

Karen Fletcher reviews an important new publication that highlights poor management as the root cause of problems in the construction industry – and how we might set about putting things right.

Mike Smith, ECA Director of Technical, tackles one of the biggest issues still facing the engineering services sector

Karen Fletcher takes a look into the latest edition of a book that examines the impact of the built environment on occupant productivity and creativity.

Andrew Eldred, ECA director of Employment and Skills offers his thoughts on the call for a move to direct employment in the construction industry – and why it’s vital for training.

Karen Fletcher considers two of the main drivers of change in how buildings are being designed and operated

As the Government adopts the CCC’s new targets on carbon reduction, Chris Yates analyses the UK’s unique triple energy mix and explains why we are uniquely positioned to decarbonise, minimise cost and diversify supply.

In May, the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) effectively put Government on the spot with a remarkable recommendation that the UK moves rapidly towards a ‘zero net carbon’ economy. Paul Reeve of the ECA examines the implications.

Renu Chopra reports on an interview with the author of a book that looks at the future of our workplaces, and puts people at the heart of design and engineering

Karen Fletcher explores the new landscape of refrigerants as phase down kicks in

Steve Martin, director of technical for the ECA considers if fundamental reform is finally on the way in the post-Grenfell construction sector and explains government plans for change.

In the third in a series of articles by the Commissioning Specialists Association, we continue to highlight some of the misconceptions about the role of commissioning, by asking four quite simple questions; what, why, when and who. Here we expand on the all-important ‘when’?

CSA expert Keith Barker explains why today's complex buildings need commissioning more than ever.

On arrival at their workplace, employees of the Farringdon-based design company Moo are greeted with an Instagram-worthy foyer. It sets the tone for the rest of the office—a modern and welcoming place to work.

According to the GIRI’s recent research project, the construction industry recognises that 21% of its costs is due to error.

Keith Barker of the Commissioning Specialists Association introduces a series of articles that examine the what, why, when and who of commissioning. This month, we take a look at what the process is – and why it’s so important.

Paul Reeve of the ECA explains the latest update to the WEEE Regulations, and why the industry needs to embrace a circular approach to the construction economy.

Karen Fletcher reports on a recent seminar that highlighted the links between our need to decarbonise heat while transforming our approach to constructing high-quality, efficient dwellings.

At EMEX 2018, panellists spoke about of the importance of Generation Z and the need to be aware of what they’re looking for in a career. Renu Chopra reports

At the BESA National Conference, speakers and delegates expressed their frustration with the process of Brexit and resulting business uncertainty – and highlighted the need for clarity from government.

The built environment is going through a rapid transformation driven by a constant increase in energy prices and new legislation that will impose a greater control of emissions.

BB101 Guidelines on ventilation, thermal comfort and indoor air quality in schools was updated in August 2018, and it sets some tough targets for building services. The document addresses three key services-related areas in school buildings: ventilation; thermal comfort; and indoor air quality (IAQ) – and introduces higher standards for all of them.

There is no denying that buildings are getting smarter. As IoT has affected our domestic lives, commercial real estate managers are now adopting a connected strategy to save money and make buildings more pleasant and productive workspaces, plus making them more cost-efficient and profitable.

After a year of extraordinary events and unprecedented change, the industry is preparing to gather at the Park Plaza Victoria hotel in London on November 1 to debate where we go from here.

As the House of Lords Science & Technology Committee produces its report on the benefits of offsite manufacture, the industry faces some tough questions about performance

The London Energy Transformation Initiative has already seen many of its recommendations adopted into the draft London Plan, and is now creating new approaches to help clients understand and achieve sustainable buildings.

CentraLine are also pleased to announce the arrival of the latest version of their powerful supervisor ARENA NX v4.4.

Benefit from a comprehensive solution offering cross-application control, low cost installation, integrated and safe remote operation and much more…

We’re all waiting to discover what Brexit might mean for UK legislation on energy and emissions. But that shouldn’t distract us from home-grown regulation that will also introduce significant changes – and opportunities. Karen Fletcher reports on a presentation by CIBSE’s Dr Hywel Davies.

Last month, MBS raised the issue that some building performance specialists view EPCs as ‘not fit for purpose’. Here Dr Andrew Geens makes the case for EPCs as an energy efficiency measurement and clarifies his position on why EPCs are a useful indicator for building owners and managers.

In this month’s MBS round table discussion, sponsored by LG, our panel of experts considers the topic of wellbeing and the contribution of building services to the health and happiness of occupants at work and at home. By Karen Fletcher

Modular construction has gained considerable momentum over the past five years in the UK due to its positive impact on cost, programme, quality and safety. Offsite construction consultant Darren Richards discusses the latest developments.

Are construction clients finally reaching the end of their collective tether when it comes to building performance? Karen Fletcher outlines the issues that are coming to a head.

Or a chill wind for construction? Karen Fletcher considers the Chancellor’s Spring Statement.

MBS looks at the latest research that shows EPC ratings look set to fall at an alarming rate, even in properties that are relatively well-managed. Computer modelling results make for difficult reading as the likely impact of MEES on property values becomes clear. 

Commercial property is 10% of UK net wealth. How will MEES affect value?