Guidance published by CIBSE last month has advice for ventilation and air conditioning systems in the UK amid the ongoing pandemic. Alex Smith summarises guidance aimed at mechanical systems and shares advice from Cushman & Wakefield on operating chillers
Author: Alex Smith
The challenge of maintaining Covid-secure buildings
To protect staff from the risk of being infected by Covid-19 as they return to workplaces, buildings managers will have to adopt rigorous maintenance regimes to ensure the virus can’t take hold. Alex Smith finds out why facilities managers will be key to creating Covid-secure buildings
Florence Nightingale’s notes still make vital reading
Florence Nightingale’s books on nursing continually emphasise the importance of ventilation. Chris Iddon believes her work is particularly pertinent for those servicing buildings during the current Covid-19 pandemic
A marvel of science: Institute of Physics headquarters
The Institute of Physics’ innovative use of ground source heat pumps helped it secure the Commercial/Industrial Project of the Year accolade at the CIBSE Building Performance Awards. Andy Pearson reports
We need a plan
As the first wave of the pandemic subsides, our economy still needs serious support. Hywel Davies considers how we might now meet future demands
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