The Department for Education is exploring how it can apply platform construction principles to create an innovative retrofit solution that can decarbonise schools and colleges, and facilities in other sectors. Andy Pearson reports on the energy pod concept
Author: Alex Smith
Hybrid heat pumps: a step in the right direction
With 23 million homes still using gas boilers, Liv Stokes argues that hybrid systems featuring heat pumps and top-up gas boilers could provide a stepping stone for the decarbonisation of heat
Sensible cooling: avoiding overcooling in buildings
When spaces are cooled to uncomfortable temperatures, negative impacts are seen on people’s health and the environment. Tim Dwyer looks at a new paper that attempts to measure the extent of the issue
The value chain: blockchain in the built environment
Blockchain is fuelling the digitisation of the built environment by providing a secure method of data exchange. IN2 Engineering’s Samreet Singh explores how it could revolutionise the use of BIM, energy microgrids and the circular economy
Keeping it clean: award-winning UV-C lighting
The germicidal effects of UV light were discovered in 1877. Now, in the shadow of Covid-19, an application of UV-C is winning plaudits and a CIBSE Building Performance Award. Phil Lattimore reports
Fit for purpose: Pinsent Mason’s healthy fit-out
Pinsent Masons’ people-centric approach to its workplace environment meant aiming for Well certification at the fit-out of its new Edinburgh office. Andy Pearson finds out how the ventilation system was upgraded to turn a good building into an ultra-healthy one
Case study: switching to electric at the Electricity Supply Board HQ in Dublin
The retrofit of the Electricity Supply Board’s offices in Dublin was a test bed for innovative heating and ventilation systems. BDP’s Chris Croly describes the building’s transition from gas to electric.
Podcast: The benefits of distributed pumping in HVAC applications
Glenn Miller and Danny Staerk from Grundfos Pumps discuss how distributed pumping can unlock savings in HVAC systems
Energy positive: the heating systems making money for residents
Energy-positive homes in Wales have the potential to not only reduce energy bills, but also to make money for social housing tenants. Hoare Lea’s Eimear Moloney describes the 14-unit Rhiw Cefn Gwlad housing project in Bridgend
Counting carbon
The Environmental Audit Committee has called for a rapid reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, as well as operational carbon targets. Hywel Davies looks at the detail