Displacement ventilation is inherently more energy efficient than mixed-air systems, but care is needed to avoid creating uncomfortable conditions. Mike Gosling of Trox UK explores the issues.

Only one in 16 electro-technical businesses ‘absolutely support’ the proposed 18th edition to the ‘Wiring Regulations’ according to a major survey from the Electrical Contractors’ Association. 28% of respondents said that the planned changes were ‘unfavourable’ or were ‘strongly opposed’ to them. 61% of firms said they ‘somewhat supported’ the proposals.

The heating sector needs to shift up a gear in using energy efficiently to keep pace with dramatic changes in demand and technology, according to Tim Rook of the Building Engineering Services Association.

Packing the outdoor units of a VRF air-conditioning system too close together can have an adverse effect on the performance and efficiency of the system. Andy Slater of LG Air Conditioning & Energy Solutions explains.

Malcolm Anson, president of the Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA), explains the need to highlight the valuable skills that our industry stalwarts bring and why trade associations are doing more to recognise them.

Specifying a building-management system (BMS) at the beginning of an energy-reduction initiative frequently provides the most effective route to optimised usage — but the installation of BMS at a later stage can still deliver major benefits, says Gareth Barber of BG Energy Solutions.

Big Foot Systems has supplied an extensive safe-access solution for the Zemos Research Building at the Ruhr University Bochum in Germany. Rooftop plant includes four heat pumps and three dry-air coolers on the flat room. The planners required a non-penetrative solution to provide safe access.

Bus operator Stagecoach has achieved aggregate gas savings of around 20% at 24 bus depots following the installation of wireless BEMSs by Aimteq. The investment is set to achieve a return of less than two years on a region-by-region basis.