Sizing the opportunity

Oversizing of HVAC systems is a £224bn problem globally, according to a joint study by Autodesk and the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI).1 This found that using traditional static-load and rule-of-thumb approaches to system sizing can result in a 50% oversizing of systems.2 This reduces occupiable space, raises capital and operating costs, and decreases occupant comfort. […]

CIBSE’s Building Performance Champion – The Engine Shed

The Engine Shed in Scotland was named Building Performance Champion because sustainability was embedded at every stage of the project, from the briefing workshop to building aftercare. Andy Pearson speaks to Max Fordham about the design process behind the exemplar scheme

Cost model: apartments for later living

The demand for luxury developments for older people is on the rise. Aecom’s Andrew Freeman looks at the costs of providing onsite healthcare, as well as facilities such as wine rooms, cinemas and spas

Be open and supportive in post-Brexit Britain

As the UK formally leaves the EU, Dorte Rich Jørgensen MCIBSE reflects on her difficulty in applying for British citizenship and calls on industry to sign the #ConstructionisOpen pledge in support of EU nationals in the UK

2020 Hays Salary Survey

The UK may have left the EU, but there is still plenty of uncertainty over its future relationship with Europe, which means a cautious services sector and sluggish salary growth, according to the 2020 Hays Salary Survey. David Blackman reports

Taking the temperature – domestic hot water

A CIBSE roundtable looked at the potential to reduce carbon through low temperature domestic hot water systems – and whether revised guidance is needed to deliver modern, safe low energy solutions. Phil Lattimore reports

Tuning into the body clock: spectrally tunable lighting systems

For the first time in a real office setting, a study has been carried out into the impact of a dynamic, spectrally tunable lighting system on the wellbeing of its occupants. Rohit Manudhane outlines the aims, methodology and initial conclusions of the research