Making buildings fit for the future was the theme of the CIBSE Technical Symposium, which took place at Cardiff University last month. Alex Smith and Molly Tooher-Rudd report on the sold-out event, at which 86 peer-revewed building services papers were presented
Author: mollytooherrudd
The bigger picture: non-domestic heat pump retrofits
Retrofitting heat pumps in non-domestic buildings will be key if the UK is to meet its net zero targets. To help building owners assess the best solutions, a UK-led International Energy Agency project is developing a tool based on potential cost and carbon savings. Roger Hitchin reports
Heat networks: countdown to regulation
New regulations due next year are set to revolutionise the design and operation of heat networks in the UK. Phil Jones and Gareth Jones look at the latest rule proposals and explain the importance of technical assurance in setting performance standards in new and existing networks
Glaring omissions: CIBSE response to building standards consultations
As the consultation period closes for a slew of regulations that will determine the sustainability of building stock for years to come, Julie Godefroy summarises CIBSE’s response to government proposals, and says they should have gone further to cut energy use and carbon
Heat network zoning: CIBSE response to the recent government consultation
Upcoming heat network zoning regulations must consider costs to consumers and carbon content of heat, using a technology-agnostic and transparent methodology, says CIBSE, in its response to a government consultation
Nurturing talent: behind the scenes at SoPHE’s Plumbing Centre of Excellence
The Society of Public Health Engineers looks to advance careers in plumbing and heating by fostering a proactive approach to education. Sanjay Modasia, who helps coordinate the society’s events, answers questions about the Plumbing Centre of Excellence
Bridging the gap: the 2024 CIBSE Building Performance Champion
SGA Consulting was crowned CIBSE’s Building Performance Champion following the retrofit of the historic York Guildhall. Andy Pearson explains how the project team exploited the nearby River Ouse while protecting the listed site
Revisiting retrofits 10 years on: key lessons for the future of retrofit
CIBSE, Studio PDP and 10 Design have investigated how 10 housing projects are performing 10 years after they were retrofitted. The study highlights successes and uncovers crucial lessons for the future of housing retrofits
Making the world a safer place: Hywel Davies retires from CIBSE
Hywel Davies HonFCIBSE may have retired from CIBSE, but Alex Smith discovers he is still at the forefront of building safety reform and will continue to cajole industry and government to strive for safer buildings
Decarbonising data centres: optimising operation with artificial intelligence
Two studies have looked at the impact of AI on improving the function of data centres. Molly Tooher-Rudd highlights the potential for optimisation and maintenance