Innovation, sustainability, and health and wellbeing will take centre stage during Helen Loomes’ term as President of the Society of Light and Lighting. Molly Tooher-Rudd hears about her plans for the year, which include two new lighting events
Author: mollytooherrudd
Formula for success: Sizing heat pumps in hybrid energy centres
Reducing the size of heat pumps in hybrid energy centres can cut carbon and capital costs dramatically – but what ratio of heat should they supply? Research by FairHeat’s Ellie Hiscock used hourly load modelling to come up with a rule of thumb for the optimal heat ratios for heat pumps and thermal storage with electric boilers
Lighting’s critical role in healthcare
As well as minimising infection risk, the big trend in healthcare lighting is circadian lighting. HDR’s Karen Murphy looks at the latest research
Phased approach: optimising heat networks
The government’s new Heat Network Optimisation Guide aims to improve the performance of existing networks by rigorously analysing performance and making cost-effective interventions that maximise efficiency. Alex Smith reports
Beauty in standardisation: Travis Perkins’ digital plan to decarbonise housebuilding
Travis Perkins’ WholeHouse digital design platform allows housebuilders to deliver efficient, repeatable housing to the latest sustainability standards, and includes prefabricated heat pump systems. Alex Smith reports
Beacon of learning: LET’s Diploma in Lighting Design
The Diploma in Lighting Design is open to anyone with an interest in furthering their knowledge of lighting technology and research. Atkin’s Kristina Allison MSLL MCIBSE answers questions on an enlightening career move
Case study: Comberton Village College heat network
The installation of a new heat network at Comberton Village College is set to significantly reduce the heating bill and save 248 tonnes of CO2. Andy Pearson speaks to Bouygues Energies & Services about how two 500kW ground source heat pumps replaced oil-fired boilers scattered across 16 plantrooms
Testing times
A report into product testing and certification raises interesting questions for manufacturers in relation to building safety. Hywel Davies considers how they will need to demonstrate their products conform to standards
Biodiversity: engineering nature’s blueprint
With developments soon having to create a 10% biodiversity net gain, Ashley Bateson, Chin Chen and Robert Winch discuss why nature-based solutions are vital in reducing climate risk
Pipe dream or reality: true value engineering
Value engineering at an early stage will ensure the focus is not just on costs, but also on a better design outcome. This was the conclusion of an expert panel discussion sponsored by Geberit. Amanda Birch reports