As the first wave of the pandemic subsides, our economy still needs serious support. Hywel Davies considers how we might now meet future demands
Author: Alex Smith
Bridging the gap: gas-fired absorption heat pumps in America
In the US, an abundance of cheap gas and a high carbon intensity for grid electricity compared with Europe is driving a move towards gas-fired heat pumps in small buildings. Tim Dwyer looks at three papers on the technology that were presented at the ASHRAE Winter Conference in Orlando
Intelligence networks: smart grids in Islington and Oxford
Smart energy projects are being piloted in the UK to find out how buildings and infrastructure can be connected intelligently to provide low carbon heat and electricity. Andy Pearson reports on two pilots: GreenSCIES in Islington and Energy Superhub Oxford
Code, not compromise
A manufacturing code of conduct would result in transparent specification that would end cost-cutting tendencies, says Remeha’s Ryan Kirkwood
Maintaining buildings in lockdown
Buildings left empty by the lockdown must be maintained properly to avoid risks such as legionella, corrosion and mould. Liza Young reports
Making a noise about acoustic design
A new guide addressing issues of noise, ventilation and overheating for homes has been launched by the Association of Noise Consultants. Working group chair Dr Anthony Chilton explains how vital it is to consider the acoustic strategy at the design stage
Rapid response: delivering a 4,000-bed NHS Nightingale Hospital in nine days
When ExCeL was chosen as the site for an NHS Nightingale Hospital, the project team had nine days to build a 4,000-bed critical care facility ahead of the expected surge in London’s Covid-19 cases. Andy Pearson talks to the key engineers
Monitoring buildings remotely during Covid-19
Thousands of buildings now stand empty. Demand Logic’s Mike Darby explains what to look out for when remote monitoring
A green recovery
How can we ensure a renewed focus on climate change and other environmental issues after Covid-19, asks CIBSE’s Julie Godefroy
Wasted opportunity: using UK waste heat in district heating
If the UK reused waste heat from its buildings and industrial processes, it could be used to supply 14% of the hot water and heating demand in UK homes, says FairHeat’s Lina Aglén