Market conditions continued to improve in the second half of last year, according to research carried out among members of the Building & Engineering Services Association. More firms reported an increase in orders and enquiries compared with six months earlier, while half reported a rise in turnover.
The use of HFCs with high global-warming potentials is on course to be banned in new air-conditioning appliances and refrigerators by 2022 to 2025 after draft rules informally agreed with EU ministers received the support of environment MEPS. The move paves the way for the overall use of such HFCs to be reduced by 79% by 2030.
Ventilation problems in a busy laboratory at Bournemouth University have been addressed using Monodraught’s Cool-phase ceiling-mounted low-energy cooling and ventilation system. The system maintains comfortable temperatures using up to 90% less energy than conventional cooling systems.
The Building Controls Industry Association 2014 Awards saw a record number of entries, with more companies than ever aiming to be on the shortlist. The Awards are open to the whole controls sector, not only BCIA members.
As long-standing UK distributors for Daikin Europe — arguably the world’s leading manufacturer of air-conditioning, refrigeration and heat- pump equipment that largely rely upon HFC refrigerants — we have always taken a keen interest in the F Gas Regulation and, in particular the on going review. This is one of the reasons we have supported the continued involvement of our marketing director, Mike Nankivell in ACRIB’s F Gas implementation group since 2006.
The very success of the industry in delivering airtight buildings and, even, exceeding standards, is throwing into sharp relief the failings of mechanical-ventilation systems, especially in homes — leading to their value being questioned. Mike Smith explores the issues.
City Academy Norwich has its air-distribution requirements met by Kingspan’s thermally efficient KoolDuct system. Designed by Sheppard Robson, the academy accommodates 1100 pupils aged 11 to 19 and on completion was assessed as BREEAM ‘Excellent’ by WSP Group.
Low-carbon heating, hot water and electricity is provided for new student accommodation in Liverpool by a LoadTracker CHP unit from SAV Systems. The unit at St Michael’s Hall has an electrical output of 20 kW and thermal output of 40 kW and serves FlatStation heat-interface units to the various clusters and studios in the building.
Air conditioning for the 11-storey development at 62 Buckingham Gate in central London is provided by fan-coil units from Ability Projects fitted with BACnet controllers. This £1 million prism-shaped building is part of the regeneration project for the Victoria area by Land Securities.
When currently available equipment does not fit into the space occupied by existing plant, a bespoke solution based on the latest technology could be effective. Steve Cartledge of Weatherite explains how that approach worked for Showcase Cinemas.
There was a double accolade for the Cheshire Oaks store of Marks & Spencer at this year’s Building Performance Awards of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers. Not only did the project win the category for ‘New build project of the year (value over £10 million)’, but it also received the top award of ‘Carbon champion of the year’. The services were design by Sustainable Design Solutions and installed by Balfour Beatty Engineering Services.
The new version of Part L of the Building Regulations was a missed opportunity to deliver the improved building performance the country needs, says Bob Towse of the Building & Engineering Services Association.
With Part L regulations taking effect in April, many want to know the most efficient way to be compliant. Dan Wills of Helvar talks us through the methods of calculating compliancy with Part L and the role that lighting control will play.
In the last 10 years, energy prices have has risen by 140% and gas by 240%*. With prices still soaring, energy reduction in building operations is on the agenda of many. Alan Juggins of Cavendish Maintenance, explains how the rise in energy prices is changing the landscape of building maintenance.
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