By using thermal storage in buildings with cooling and heating requirements, designers can cut energy use, reduce HVAC plant and potentially free up space for rooftop gardens. Joshua Martoo reports
Author: Alex Smith
Rethinking buildings to make them net positive
The net zero challenge focuses on cutting energy and carbon, but buildings could have a positive impact on the environment, says Aecom’s Dave Cheshire
Taking the heat out of the ICT classroom
Increased use of computing in schools is causing a rise in cooling loads that can results in air conditioning being in conflict with heating. Science teacher Chris Baker looks at four methods of reducing cooling requirements at Parrs Wood High School
Streetwise: How a pair of terrace homes reduce energy use using smart technology
Passivhaus standards of energy efficiency were delivered in two Cardiff homes by installing a sensor network that monitored room occupancy, temperature and air quality. Atamate’s David Miles, Dan Cash and Kat Kelly explain
Build to safely perform
In his Presidential address in May, Stuart MacPherson urged us not to return to business as usual as we emerge from the current crisis. Hywel Davies considers what that might mean for building safety
Rethinking space: occupant densities post Covid-19
Social distancing because of Covid-19 will result in lower office densities, but how might this affect occupant satisfaction, asks WMEboom’s Roderic Bunn
The road to recovery
As the lockdown eases, Julie Godefroy outlines some of the key policy activity focused on supporting the transition to a zero carbon economy
The realistic route to zero carbon
To achieve carbon reduction targets, Chris Twinn says the UK should be looking at large-scale offsite renewables and achievable building performance targets that are rigorously upheld
Improving competency and testing for smoke control systems
New accreditation and certification schemes have been launched recently, to improve competency and compliance in the smoke control sector. Alex Smith talks to Allan Hurdle about the industry’s response to the Hackitt report
Chamber music: Brinson Staniland Partnership’s earth labyrinth ventilation for Kent College’s Great Hall
To help maintain comfort conditions in Kent College’s Great Hall, air is cooled using five giant, subterranean concrete chambers. Andy Pearson speaks to engineer Brinson Staniland Partnership about how the labyrinth ventilation system works