Operatives in the building-controls sector can now have their competence certified by a scheme devised by the Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) and National Electrotechnical Training (NET). Called the Building Controls Professional Assessment (BPCA), it is an assessment of occupational competence for apprentices and practising operatives in the controls industry.

BIM (building information modelling) has reached the operational phase of buildings with the publication of the latest PAS (publicly available specification). BSRIA’s Jo Harris explains the huge significance and potential of this stage.

A swimming pool in Liverpool is using over a third less energy to drive filtration pumps following the installation of ABB variable-speed drives, which have also been installed in air-handling units. The work for Liverpool City Council followed an independent energy-conservation report which recommended ABB variable-speed drives. The success of this project led to variable-speed drives being installed at four other council-run pools.

Gas and electricity consumption at The Lowry in Manchester have fallen by 17% since the upgrade of the building and energy-management system in a scheme designed by Real Control Solutions. Further savings are expected as the system is further optimised.

Once an organisation starts saving energy, those savings can be used to finance measures to save more energy and reduce the cost of maintenance. James Napier of Honeywell Building Solutions looks into the world of energy-performance contracts.

Fresh from helping to update CIBSE’s Guide G on public health and plumbing engineering, Paul Angus shares some thoughts on the risks of skimping on design and installation.